In the midst of the ongoing Ukraine war, India has raised concerns about the apparent ineffectiveness of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), which is tasked with maintaining international peace and security. During the UN Security Council open debate on ‘Upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter through effective multilateralism: maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine,’ Sanjay Verma, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, expressed India’s viewpoint.
Critical Questions for the UNSC
Verma emphasized the need for the international community to ponder two crucial questions at this juncture. The first question he posed was whether there was any prospect of a viable and acceptable solution to the Ukraine conflict. The second question revolved around the apparent ineffectiveness of the UN system, particularly the UNSC, in fulfilling its primary mandate of resolving the ongoing conflict.
Call for Multilateral Reform
Verma stressed the importance of reforming and reinventing outdated multilateral structures for effective multilateralism, highlighting that without such reforms, their credibility would continue to decline.
He went on to underline Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stance that the current era should prioritize development and cooperation over war, emphasizing the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to dialogue and diplomacy.
Addressing Collateral Consequences
India also expressed regret over the collateral consequences of the conflict, including rising prices of essential commodities, affecting not only Ukraine but also the Global South.
India’s People-Centric Approach
Verma emphasized India’s commitment to a people-centric approach in addressing the Ukraine conflict and its efforts to provide humanitarian assistance and economic support to affected regions. He concluded by stressing the importance of maintaining faith in diplomacy and ensuring that it ultimately delivers the much-needed solutions.
India’s G20 Presidency was also highlighted, with Verma explaining how it addressed economic challenges faced by developing countries and promoted dialogue and consensus to find solutions.
(With PTI Inputs)