Indian diplomacy in current multilateral context

Other challenges are not neglected., but highlighted, especially those visible in India's own neighborhood. "Some of them may be aggravated by the Covid pandemic and ongoing conflicts; but they speak too of a deeper malaise. The accumulation of debt in fragile economies is of particular concern. We believe that in such times, the international community must rise above narrow national agendas. India, for its part, is taking exceptional measures in exceptional times."

Examples are quite eloquent. India sent 50,000 metric tons of wheat and multiple tranches of medicines and vaccines to Afghanistan. It extends credits of 3.8 billion dollars to Sri Lanka for fuel, essential commodities and trade settlement. India supplied 10,000 metric tons of food aid and vaccine shipments to Myanmar. Moreover, India fills the gap in humanitarian needs left unaddressed by political complexity. Whether it is disaster response or humanitarian assistance, India has stood strong, contributing particularly to those nearest to it.

The world is seen by India as being poised for transformational changes. It has been impacted in recent times by a succession of shocks, each of them significant by itself. The Covid pandemic called into question the over-centralized nature of globalization and has led all countries to seek greater resilience and reliability of supply chains.

The analysis continues by cogently reminding that repercussions of the ongoing Ukraine conflict have further heightened economic stresses, in particular on food and energy. Climate events have added to the disruption that the world is already facing. In the field of technology, it has certainly multiplied existing capabilities but it also added to vulnerabilities. Trust and transparency are legitimate expectations of a more digitized world. The quest to create a better global order would necessarily have to address all these issues.

It is strongly emphasized in the address that some challenges are more existential in nature and necessitate intense coordination by the international community. Climate action and climate justice are particularly noteworthy in this respect. In their pursuit, India has cooperated with partners on the International Solar Alliance, the One Sun-One World-One Grid initiative and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.

In addition, India stands ready to support any collective and equitable endeavor to protect our environment and to further global wellness. "Lifestyle for Environment" or LiFE, as declared by India in Glasgow on the sidelines of COP26 is its homage to Mother Nature.

Before COP27 in Cairo in November 2022 , India announced it remains deeply committed to fighting climate change under the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) and the Paris Agreement. "We do so on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in the light of different national circumstances. We have announced our updated Nationally Determined Contributions after COP26".

India reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to South-South Cooperation which is well established. Its approach is based on principles of mutual respect and national ownership with a commitment to sustainable development for all.

In December this year India begins the G-20 presidency. In this capacity India is sensitive to the challenges faced by developing countries. Therefore, India will work with other G-20 members to address serious issues of debt, economic growth, food and energy security and particularly, environment. The reform of governance of multilateral financial institutions will continue to be one of Indian core priorities.

Fighting terrorism

India would be completing its tenure as a member of the Security Council in December this year. In its current two years term, India has acted as a diplomatic bridge on some serious but divisive issues confronting the Council. Indian representatives have also focused on concerns such as maritime security, peacekeeping and counter terrorism. Indian specific contributions range from providing technology with a human touch to ensuring the safety and security of UN Peacekeepers.

As the Chair of the Counter Terrorism Committee this year, India would be hosting its special meeting in Mumbai and New Delhi. All member states are invited to participate in it. It is necessary to create a global architecture that responds to the new tech tools deployed against open, diverse and pluralistic societies.