Riad Islam: The United Nations General Assembly has elected India with an overwhelming majority of 184 out of 192 votes as a non-permanent member of the Security Council for the term 2021-2022.
The strong support at the election demonstrates the confidence that the international community has reposed in India’s capability to strengthen the Council.
India is a founding member of the United Nations, having signed the UN Charter in SanFrancisco on June 26, 1946.
This will be the 8th time that India will be serving in the Security Council, bringing its rich experience and legacy to bear on the work of the Security Council.
The UN Security Council election has taken place in the shadow of one of the most pressing crises this generation has faced, the coronavirus pandemic.
“COVID-19 has made us rethink how we can use multilateralism and international cooperation to make this a better world a better place. The current crisis offers India a window of opportunity to make critical contributions to the Security Council’s work, guided by Prime Minister Modi’svision for reformed multilateralism,” said the Permanent Mission of India to the UN.
India will be guided by the five priorities under the overarching theme of NORMS: NewOrientation for a Reformed Multilateral System.
These priorities were launched by External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar and include internal new opportunities for progress, effective response to international terrorism, reforming multilateral systems, comprehensive approach to international peace and security, and technology with a human touch.
“As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations this year, and later, the 75thanniversary of India’s independence in 2022, India’s presence in the Security Council will help bring to the world our ethos that the world is one family.”
