India’s UNSC Presidency: Three Initiatives were Taken

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India’s UNSC Presidency: Three Initiatives were Taken

INDIA held the month-long presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) during August. During the two-year term (2021-22), India will again have the opportunity to preside over the Security Council in December 2022.

Three initiatives were taken during India’s presidency. These related to maritime security, UN peacekeeping and counter-terrorism. This set agenda was effectively presented by India, as these are critical to the country’s current policies.

Maritime security: Maritime security is a major issue, especially in the Indo-Pacific, writes Gurjit Singh (Former Ambassador).  “The aggressive moves by China have led to the evolution of Indo-Pacific policies by several countries and the consolidation of the Quad. Keeping a rule-based order and preventing a hegemonistic role for China are critical for India’s continuing rise. For this end, maritime security was indeed a wise move to focus the attention of the UNSC.

“This was effectively communicated by the unique manner of having the Prime Minister himself chair the Security Council at that session. Never before has an Indian Prime Minister undertaken this role. It showed the seriousness with which India treated this at the UNSC, and the lead it intended to take. Thanks to the Prime Minister’s participation, leaders like Russian President Putin, President Kenyatta of Kenya, the PM of Vietnam and the US Secretary of State, French Foreign Minister and the UK Defence Secretary also participated. It gave ‘Enhancing maritime security’ a much higher profile than it would have acquired otherwise………”

Peacekeeping: A second initiative related to peacekeeping. “India’s credentials for a larger role in the world, and a permanent seat in the UNSC were initially buttressed by its superb role in peacekeeping since its inception……Prior to this, India announced a contribution of $1 million for supporting the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM)……..India’s initiative on peacekeeping operations focused on ‘Protecting the protectors’. A resolution on ‘Accountability of crimes against UN peacekeepers’ and the first ever presidential statement on ‘Technology for peacekeeping’ were achieved.”

Counter-terrorism: The third initiative related to counter-terrorism. India, says the former Ambassador  “has endeavoured to focus the attention of the world community on countering terror effectively, the role of Pakistan, and the emerging situation in Afghanistan which are a deep cause of concern.” The Indian Foreign Minister spoke about the situation in Kabul, adding to the importance of the issue. “Holding the Taliban accountable was the focus of the resolution but due to the changed situation in Kabul, the reference to Taliban was omitted. Russia and China abstained from the resolution but it shows that the other powers too are ready to accommodate the Taliban and that is what India is cautious about.”

In conclusion, “if India could achieve its three major initiatives and put them on the agenda for discussion, it should be considered a sign of success for Indian diplomacy…..”

The themes set by India for its term on the UNSC included the 5S approach with Samman (respect), Samvad (dialogue), Sahyog (cooperation), Shanti (peace) and Samriddhi (prosperity). For this, concludes Singh “India would stand with multilateralism, rule of law and a fair and equitable international system. Most of these objectives were highlighted through the month of the Indian presidency of the UNSC.”

 

UNSC session on Afghanistan

The UNSC session on Afghanistan was chaired by Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla on the last day of the Indian presidency. “With Russia and China abstaining, a pattern emerged. Both were consistently voting together. India on occasion, say while discussing Africa, particularly Ethiopia, stood with Russia and China to avoid intrusive efforts by the UNSC. Ethiopia was very admiring of the balanced role of India.”

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