On Wednesday, India questioned the Security Council on why the UN has been “rendered completely ineffective” in resolving the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
On behalf of India, Sanjay Verma, Secretary (West) of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, spoke at 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.”
Need for Reform
At the open debate, India asked whether the international community was near a “possible, acceptable solution” to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.
Saying that the UN and its principal organ, the Security Council, had been unable to end the conflict, India stressed the need for reform in the UN system.
#WATCH: During an Open Debate on Ukraine in the UN Security Council, India's Secretary (West) of the MEA, Sanjay Verma, reiterated India's stance on diplomacy and dialogue being the only viable solution to the Russia-Ukraine War, asserting that there is a need to reform the UN… pic.twitter.com/Jnt5xtkHsB
— Statecraft (@statecraftdaily) September 22, 2023
India called upon the member nations to reinvent the “outdated and archaic” structures for multilateralism to be effective.
It said, “Unless we fix that systemic flaw, we will continue to be found wanting.”
Dialogue The Only Answer
India reaffirmed its position on Ukraine, calling for an “urgent return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy.”
Reiterating Indian PM Narendra Modi’s earlier statement that “This is not an era of war,” India said it is a time for development and cooperation.
It emphasised, “Dialogue is the only answer to settling differences and disputes, however daunting that may appear at this moment.”
“It is indeed vital that we continue to believe in the promise of diplomacy, and that eventually, it is always dialogue and diplomacy that delivers,” Verma said.
Furthermore, India highlighted, “We need to avoid steps which endanger the possibility of dialogue and negotiations.”
“We have always advocated that no solution can ever be arrived at the cost of human lives.”
People-Centric Approach, Impact on Global South
Further, India mentioned that it is providing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and economic support to its Global South neighbours facing economic distress.
Verma highlighted that India’s approach to the Ukraine conflict will continue to be “people-centric.”
Addressed the UN Security Council Open Debate on Ukraine.
— Sanjay Verma (@SanjayVermalFS) September 21, 2023
Underscored PM’s call that “this is not an era of war”! Important that we believe ... that eventually, it is always dialogue and diplomacy, that delivers. @ANI @MEAIndia @IndiaUNNewYork @PTI_News pic.twitter.com/s1ZHYCv5Su
Noting the impact of the conflict on the world, especially on the Global South, India said the war in Ukraine had led to the rise of prices of food, fuel and fertilisers.
Further, New Delhi highlighted that it is essential that the voices of the Global South are heard and their legitimate concerns duly addressed.
Speaking on behalf of India, Verma said, “Escalation of hostilities and violence is in no one’s interest.”
Additionally, India called upon the countries to uphold the principles of the UN Charter and respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states.