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New York (US), August 23 (ANI): Terrorism is a threat not only to peace and security but also to development and no global preventive mechanism can be complete without comprehensive counter-terrorism measures, India said at the United Nations while reiterating the urgent need for a comprehensive international convention on terrorism.
India’s statement was delivered by Chargé d’Affaires ad interim and Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations in New York, R. Ravindra, at the Security Council open debate on “A New Agenda for Peace – Addressing the Global, Regional and National Dimensions of Conflict Prevention”.
The Indian Special Envoy congratulated Sierra Leone on its assumption of the Council presidency and thanked Sierra Leone for organizing this open debate and the briefers for their insightful remarks.
“We live in an increasingly divided world. Some regions enjoy sustained peace, security and prosperity, while others are caught in seemingly endless cycles of conflict and violence. In recent years, the conflict environment has also become more complex and uncertain – particularly in Africa and parts of West Asia. Terrorists, armed militias, externally backed organized crime groups and the misuse of emerging technologies have also had a profound impact on conflict dynamics,” said Ravindra.
“We therefore need to recognise that conflict prevention is complex, multifaceted and requires a holistic approach. A comprehensive approach focusing not only on the political process but also on sustainable development and inclusive economic growth is therefore inevitable. Resolution, reconciliation, recovery and reconstruction are also key aspects of a prevention strategy,” he added.
The Indian envoy further made five points. He said there was a need to work closely with member states based on their national requirements and needs. “India recognises the important role that national governments and authorities play in defining and driving priorities, strategies and activities for peacekeeping. We need to work closely with member states – based on their national requirements and needs, rather than advocating prescriptions and solutions from outside,” he said.
Ravindra stressed that representative and inclusive governance structures will help stabilize peace and uphold fundamental rights. He further said that a strong and effective partnership between the United Nations and regional organizations is a prerequisite, especially in the African context.
“As the world’s largest democracy, we firmly believe that representative and inclusive governance structures will help stabilize peace, uphold fundamental rights and protect the rule of law. Equitable development is also a key element in building and sustaining peace,” the Indian envoy said.
“Strong and effective partnerships between the United Nations and regional organisations are a prerequisite, especially in the African context. Given that nearly 70 per cent of Chapter VII mandated resolutions are on Africa, Africa’s continued denial of permanent membership is a stain on the Council’s collective credibility. India has consistently supported the Ezulwini Consensus and called for Africa to be given a permanent seat in an expanded Security Council. Those who continue to deny expansion of the permanent membership and Africa’s rightful place therein, must be condemned,” he further added.
India warned of the threat of terrorism and reiterated the urgent need for a comprehensive international convention on terrorism. He also stressed that the preventive model cannot ignore the resources required for socio-economic development.
“Terrorism is a global threat not only to peace and security but also to development. No global preventive mechanism can be complete without a comprehensive approach to counter-terrorism. We reiterate the urgent need for a comprehensive convention on international terrorism,” Ravindra said.
“The prevention paradigm cannot ignore the resources needed for socio-economic development. Structural changes are needed in the governance architecture of international financial institutions to allow for greater participation of countries of the Global South. Likewise, unfulfilled commitments, such as climate finance, need to be honoured,” he added.
The Deputy Permanent Representative of India elaborated on India’s role in peacekeeping and peacebuilding and said that India’s development projects were cumulatively worth over $40 billion.
“India has been playing a significant role in peacekeeping and peacebuilding. We participate in peacebuilding through our extensive development partnerships with countries of the Global South. The cumulative value of Indian development projects has now exceeded $40 billion, including soft loans, grants and capacity building training programmes. I would like to highlight the India-UN Development Partnership Fund, which is a testament to India’s strong commitment to multilateralism and global development,” the Indian envoy said.
India also cited a proposal made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the third Voices of the Global South Summit, where he called on India’s behalf for a comprehensive global development compact.
“At the 3rd Global South Voices Virtual Summit hosted by India recently on August 17, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed a comprehensive global development compact on behalf of India. The foundation of this compact will be based on India’s development journey and experience of development partnerships. This is a testament to India’s strong partnership with the Global South,” he added. (ANI)
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