India has termed the reports of the use of chemical weapons in Syria as a matter of grave concern and stressed the need to adhere by international legal norms against the use of chemical weapons by all.

The spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs reaffirmed the position of New Delhi for complete destruction and elimination of chemical weapons world-wide and said pending their elimination, it is vitally important to ensure safe and secure custody of chemical stockpiles and prevent their access to terrorists and non-state actors.

Meanwhile UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has called for a thorough and prompt investigation into the allegations.

His spokesman Eduardo del Buey said that UN is sending disarmament chief Angela Kane to Damascus to press for an investigation. The UN Security Council says, it needs clarity about the latest alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria.