Indian diplomacy in current multilateral context

Having borne the brunt of cross border terrorism for decades, India firmly advocates a 'zero-tolerance' approach in this field. In its view, there is no justification for any act of terrorism, regardless of motivation. And no rhetoric, however sanctimonious can ever cover-up blood-stained hands. The UN responds to terrorism by sanctioning its perpetrators. Those who politicize the UN sanctions regime, sometimes to the extent of defending proclaimed terrorists, do so at their own peril.

India has always espoused a cooperative, inclusive, and consultative approach to international relations. "We believe that multipolarity, rebalancing, fair globalization and reformed multilateralism cannot be kept in abeyance" is a thesis present expressis verbis in the address.

From an Indian perspective ,the call for reformed multilateralism – with reforms of the Security Council at its core – enjoys considerable support among UN members. It does so because of the widespread recognition that the current architecture is anachronistic and ineffective. It is also perceived as deeply unfair, denying entire continents and regions a voice in a forum that deliberates their future.

Final conclusions

It is important to take note of the following conclusion according to which "India is prepared to take up greater responsibilities. But it seeks at the same time to ensure that the injustice faced by the Global South is decisively addressed.

India's call is to allow serious negotiations on such critical matters to proceed sincerely. These diplomatic negotiations must not be blocked by procedural tactics. Naysayers cannot hold the Intergovermental Negotiations on Security Council Reform process hostage in perpetuity. In these turbulent times, it is essential that the world listens to more voices of reason. And experiences more acts of goodwill. India is willing and able on both counts. India believes and advocates that this is not an era of war and conflict. On the contrary, it is a time for development and cooperation.

In the past, the UN General Assembly has served as a meeting point of views and a catalyst for action. India considers that "It is vital that we continue to believe in the promise of diplomacy and the need for international cooperation." Therefore, "let us strive to return to the course of seeking peace, progress and prosperity".

In this respect it should always be recalled thatas a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement and the Group of 77, India has always been a leading advocate for the concerns and aspirations of developing countries.

This humanistic position is in harmony with the evaluation made by Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General, during his official visit to India in October 2022. He said :" India also demonstrates a practical and generous approach to global solidarity and South-South cooperation. It was the first country to launch a single country South-South cooperation support framework, via the UN-India Development Framework Partnership. And indeed, our relationship with India on development is a two-way partnership".

These few pages about India's contributions to effective, reformed multilateralism cannot be concluded without quoting the Indian first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, who said at the dawn of Indian Independence 75 years ago: "Our dreams are for India, but they are also for the world, for all the nations and peoples are too closely knit together today for any one of them to imagine that it can live apart."

Let's hope that this diplomatic expectation will get more tangibility in the years to come.