Statement by India under Agenda Item 3 : Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on the Promotion of a Democratic and Equitable International Order at the 51st Session of Human Rights Council (12 September - 7 October 2022) delivered by Mr. Pawankumar Badhe, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva (19 September 2022)
Mr. President,
India would like to thank the Independent Expert for presenting his report and take note of its conclusions and recommendations.
2. As a founding member of the UN, India has consistently displayed its commitment to uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. We have been a leading advocate of the concerns and aspirations of developing countries. We have called for creation of a more equitable international economic and political order. We have made substantial contributions to maintaining international peace and security as one of the largest troop contributing country towards UN Peacekeeping Missions, having sacrificed the highest number of lives in that noble endeavour. We have been a leading contributor to global action against contemporary challenges such as terrorism, climate change etc.
3. We have also worked to foster global socio-economic development, through transparent, viable, sustainable and demand driven developmental partnerships with fellow developing countries. When the pandemic hit the world, we extended our hand of friendship to other countries by delivering vaccines, pharmaceuticals and other medical equipment to more than 150 countries across the world.
4. India has been an active and constructive participant in the ‘Our Common Agenda’ journey.
5. We fully share the Independent Expert’s sense of urgency about the need for comprehensive reforms of the UN bodies. We simply cannot fight today’s challenges with outdated structures. This is in fact, at the heart of Prime Minister Modi's call for a “reformed multilateralism” that reflects today’s realities, gives voice to all stake holders, addresses contemporary challenges and focuses on human welfare.
6. We would like to know what additional measures can be taken by the States to reform the UN bodies, in particular the Security Council, in order to create a democratic and equitable international order.
I thank you.
