On merit, India should be permanent UNSC member: Tirumurti

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, December 30

The highlight of India’s one-year presence so far in the UN Security Council has been its presidency in August, said India’s Permanent Representative to the UN TS Tirumurti.

“Our performance again indicates that the world needs India to be at the horseshoe table permanently,” he said in a video message while pointing out that Narendra Modi became the first Indian PM to preside over a UN Security Council Open Debate on August 9, which for the first time adopted a presidential statement on maritime security.

Eighth term

• India is at the UNSC for two years from 2020 to 2022 which is its eighth term as an elected member
• India has been a strong voice to protect interests of the developing world, says India’s Permanent Representative to the UN

During India’s August presidency of the UNSC, the situation in Afghanistan rapidly deteriorated. A debate took place and Resolution 2593 on Afghanistan was adopted which sought assurances from the Taliban that Afghan soil would not be used for terrorism and that it would act against all terrorists, including those designated by the 1267 Sanctions Committee.

At the same time, India partnered with Russia to block the attempt to bring the issue of climate change into the UNSC. “But India is second to none when it comes to climate action and climate justice,” said Tirumurti while pointing out that the appropriate forum was the UNFCC which had representation from all countries.

“India has been consistent in its support for transition to democracy, whether in Myanmar or in Africa and on issues affecting the developing world, India has been a strong voice to protect their interests. Our steadfast commitment to safeguarding the interests of the developing world is reflected in our performance,” he said.

India is at the UNSC for two years from 2020 to 2022 which is its eighth term as an elected member.

Given the importance of peacekeeping, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar participated in a UNSC discussion where he sought greater clarity, direction and professionalism in UN peacekeeping operations is at the heart of the vision. Jaishankar also chaired a briefing on ISIL (Daesh) during India’s presidency.