India did not support any side during the voting in the UN on the Russia-Ukraine war. Because of this, many developing countries also got the courage to raise their voice. India made it clear that war is not a solution and peace will come only through dialogue. Today, India is the only country that can bring Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table.
Self-reliance is essential: The weakening of international organizations is proof that the dominance of Western countries is no longer the same as before. The rest of the world is no longer ready to listen to Western countries. If China can establish peace between Saudi Arabia and Iran, then America could have done the same, but the Gaza war did not allow this to happen. African countries now want to get rid of their colonialists. Turkey is also making its presence felt in the world. Many other countries also want to stay away from factionalism and decide their future on their own.
UN has to become the voice of everyone: The decisions taken by the UN should be in the interest of all the countries of the world and not just a few developed countries. Small and developing countries expect the UN to present their voice to the world. This is why India organised the ‘Voice of the Global South Summit’ during its G20 presidency. India also played an important role in getting the African Union included in the G20. India wants that the decisions taken by the G20 should be close to ground reality.
The problems that institutions like UN, WTO, IMF and World Bank are facing today have their root in their structure of 1945. The world has changed and UN will also have to change with time. Many countries including India are demanding changes in UN. India also wants reforms in UNSC. Till India and African countries are not given permanent membership in UNSC, peace cannot be established in the world.
Proxy War and Terrorism: No country has benefited from war and proxy war. If a country wants its security, it should not threaten the security of other countries. NATO has provoked Russia by coming close to its borders. The same situation will arise from China’s intrusion on the Indian border. Security is not the right of any one country. Israel, Iran and the surrounding countries are feeling more insecure than ever before. Terrorism has made the situation even more complicated.
Using technology ethically: If poverty, hunger and inequality are not eradicated from the world, then all efforts to establish peace are futile. It is equally important to achieve the goals of Sustainable Development Goals and Paris Climate Agreement. We have to use the latest technology for the welfare of the people. Technology should be used within the limits of ethics. Rules and laws will have to be made to prevent its misuse. Be it climate change or regional conflict, India’s role is important in finding solutions to all these global challenges.
(The author is a former UN Ambassador (India))
