India advocates people-centric approach for Ukraine, criticises ineffectiveness of UNSC

India has emphasized that resolving the Ukraine conflict should not come at the expense of human lives that a people-centered approach and that diplomacy and dialogue are the sole means to find a solution. Additionally, Ind has expressed concern about the significant impact of the conflict on the global south, which has been highly damaging.

India has restated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stance that we are no longer in an era where war is the solution. Ind upholds the principles outlined in the UN Charter, including respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty. They have also raised the question of why the UN Security Council appears to have become significantly less effective in promoting the need for a reformed multilateral approach.

During a recent UN Security Council discussion on Ukraine, Sanjay Verma, who was representing India in the capacity of Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, posed two crucial questions. Firstly, he inquired whether the world was moving closer to finding a solution to the Ukraine crisis. Secondly, if the world was not making progress toward a resolution, he raised the question of what this situation revealed about the effectiveness and role of the United Nations.

Verma opened his remarks by expressing India’s ongoing concern regarding the situation in Ukraine. He emphasized India’s consistent stance that no solution should come at the expense of human lives. He pointed out that the escalation of hostilities and violence is detrimental to everyone involved and urged for all parties to prioritize an immediate cessation of hostilities and a swift return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy.

Verma further highlighted that the global order, which all nations adhere to, is founded on the principles of international law, the tenets of the UN Charter, and the reverence for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of every nation. He emphasized the crucial importance of upholding these principles without any deviations or exceptions.

Verma reiterated India’s stance that engaging in dialogues is the singular approach for resolving differences and disputes, even if the challenges may seem overwhelming at this juncture. He emphasized that the journey towards achieving peace necessitates the continued availability and utilization of all diplomatic channels.

India expressed its regret over the “collateral consequences” arising from the conflict, which have resulted in the escalation of prices for essential commodities such as food, fuel, and fertilizers. These consequences have had a widespread impact, affecting not only India but also other member states of the Global South. These nations, Ind noted, have been left to address these challenges on their own.

India emphasized the importance of ensuring that the voices of developing countries are heard on the global stage. To address the economic challenges faced by these nations, India, during its presidency of the G20, took proactive steps to bring these “economic pitfalls faced by developing countries” to the forefront of the G20 Agenda. Through a consensus-based approach, a roadmap was agreed upon, which not only highlighted these challenges but also provided solutions for countries grappling with debt distress. This initiative aimed to address the specific needs and concerns of developing nations within the G20 framework.

Verma reiterated that India’s approach to the Ukraine conflict remains centered on the well-being of the people. He stated that India is actively engaged in providing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, demonstrating its commitment to addressing the immediate needs of the affected population. Additionally, India is extending economic support to some of its neighboring countries in the Global South that are grappling with economic challenges, underlining India’s dedication to aiding those in distress within its regional sphere.

India underscored the significance of refraining from actions that could jeopardize the potential for dialogue and negotiations in the context of the Ukraine conflict. To maintain a conducive environment for diplomatic efforts, India stressed the importance of posing two critical questions.

“One, are we anywhere near a possible solution acceptable? And if not, why is it that the UN system, and particularly its principal organ, this very UN Security Council, mandated to primarily maintain international peace and security, rendered completely ineffective to the resolution of the ongoing conflict?”

India emphasized that for multilateralism to retain its effectiveness, it is essential to reform and rejuvenate outdated and archaic structures within the international system. Failure to do so would erode their credibility over time. India pointed out that addressing these systemic flaws is imperative, as neglecting them would result in a continued inability to meet the challenges and demands of the modern world.

Verma concluded India’s national position by reiterating Prime Minister Modi’s perspective, emphasizing that the present era is characterised by the pursuit of development and cooperation rather than war. He stressed the significance of maintaining faith in the power of diplomacy, highlighting that in the end, it is dialogue and diplomacy that consistently lead to successful outcomes.

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