December 1, 2022
1 min read

India assumes UNSC chair, vows to be ‘bridge builder’

India faces the daunting task of presiding over a Council that is paralysed on the two most dangerous issues riveting the world, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the North Korean missile launches…writes Arul Louis

India took over the presidency of the UN Security Council on Thursday promising to be a “voice of reason and a bridge builder” in a time of global polarisation that has pressed it into inaction.

“One of our strengths is that we are a voice of moderation of voice of reason and a bridge builder and we will walk the talk in the December presidency,” India’s Permanent Representative Ruchira Kamboj said after becoming the first Indian woman to head the Council.

She said that during the presidency, India will hold two sessions to highlight issues most important to it: fighting terrorism and reforming the international system, including the Security Council, stuck in the 1940s.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will preside over the two meetings, on “New Orientation for Reformed Multilateralism” on December 14 and on “Global Approach to Counter Terrorism – Challenges and Way Forward”, the next day.

India will also be holding two side events unveiling a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the UN headquarters and organising a group of nations to counter attacks on peacekeepers.

India faces the daunting task of presiding over a Council that is paralysed on the two most dangerous issues riveting the world, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the North Korean missile launches.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Jaishankar have spoken to the leadership of both Russia and Ukraine for a diplomatic solution to the conflict, Kamboj said.

“We are among the few countries, dare I say this, which is speaking to both,” she said.

Asked by a reporter at her news conference if India could change the direction of the Council, she was candid in expressing scepticism, adding, “Hope that but certainly we will continue to work with a lot of positivity”.

(Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @arulouis)

ALSO READ: India’s UNSC presidency in the time of crisis

Previous Story

‘TTP enjoying all sorts of facilities in Afghanistan’

Next Story

After Musk, Zuckerberg joins Apple bashing

Latest from -Top News

Pakistan in the Dark: Power Crisis Boils Over

Regular power outages are a fact of life in Pakistan, but recent developments suggest that the situation is escalating to new extremes….writes Nasir Khattak In early January 2025, a nerve-breaking power outage

IBPC Dubai charts new growth path

Former Tata Motors CEO Ravi Kant headlines exclusive event as Indian business council sets course for transformation….reports Asian Lite News The Indian Business & Professional Council (IBPC) Dubai has signalled a significant

Miles in the Malls!

Dubai Mallathon kicks off today – The emirate’s biggest malls transform into indoor fitness arenas, inviting residents to walk, run, and win — all while staying cool, healthy, and community-connected….reports Asian Lite

Famine grips Gaza, WHO warns

WHO said Gaza’s population is facing acute food insecurity under the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification…reports Asian Lite News The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued its starkest warning yet about the

Lifeline from UAE to Gaza

UAE’s Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 sustains Gaza’s collapsing health system with hospitals, treatment, aid, and vaccines, offering vital relief to thousands amid deepening crisis….reports Asian Lite News The United Arab Emirates has
Go toTop

Don't Miss

India calls for climate justice, carbon space at COP29 

Singh pointed out that the historically high carbon emission pathways

Omar: Destruction everywhere after abrogation of Article 370

Abdullah lamented that areas previously declared free of militancy have