Statement by India during Biennial Panel Discussion on the Right to Development on the Theme: Realizing the right to development: the case for a United Nations framework convention on international tax cooperation at the 57th Session of Human Rights Council (09 September – 11 October 2024) delivered by Mr. Gaurav Kumar Thakur, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva, 18 September 2024
Mr. President,
Indian delegation would like to express its appreciation to the Panelists for their insightful and a very frank presentation on this important topic. This is indeed a critical and challenging theme, as the global governance architecture for tax cooperation appears to have fallen behind the rapid pace of globalization.
Mr. President,
- Tax revenue is a crucial element of domestic resource mobilization, and robust international cooperation is essential in this regard. With the increasing integration of economies in a globalized world, actions on taxation in one country can have significant impacts across borders. This has direct relevance to the issue of illicit financial flows, especially out of developing countries, as well as in creating the right international system for the movement of finance and hence, on the right to development.
- The Indian delegation firmly believes that in a world of cross-border trade, investment, and finance, there are limits to what can be achieved through domestic policy alone. Strengthened international cooperation in tax matters is, therefore, an absolute necessity.
Mr. President,
- Globalization demands a more participatory, transparent, accountable, and democratic global governance structure on tax issues. We look forward to continued discussions and collaborations on this critical issue. To conclude, we also reiterate India’s recognition of the Right to Development as a distinct, universal, inalienable and fundamental human right that is applicable to all people in all countries.
I thank you
