India and Russia Engage in Vital Discussions on UNSC Reforms and Counter-Terrorism Efforts
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, March 17 (NationPress) In a significant diplomatic engagement, India and Russia convened the 7th UN Consultations in New Delhi on Tuesday. The primary focus of this meeting was the agenda of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), with key discussions revolving around counter-terrorism, peacekeeping, and UNSC reforms, among various other topics.
Co-chaired by Secretary (West) of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Sibi George, and Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister, Alexander Alimov, the meeting also saw the participation of Russia's Ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, along with other officials.
According to MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, both nations shared their priorities within the United Nations, emphasizing issues tied to the UNSC agenda, particularly concerning counterterrorism and peacekeeping.
Historically, Russia has advocated for the permanent representation of India, Brazil, and African nations within the UNSC to better reflect the global majority's interests.
Earlier last month, Sibi George met with Alexander Alimov during the latter's visit to India for the AI Impact Summit.
In December, during the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit held in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the necessity of comprehensive reforms to the UNSC, aiming to enhance its representation, effectiveness, and efficiency in addressing international peace and security challenges, as indicated in their joint statement. Russia reiterated its unwavering support for India's permanent membership in a reformed and expanded UNSC.
The leaders also advocated for a strict zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and expedited efforts to finalize the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism under the UN framework, alongside the implementation of UNGA and UNSC resolutions focused on combating terrorism and the extremism that fosters it.
The joint statement highlighted the commitment of both parties to an uncompromising stance against international terrorism and extremism in all their forms, stressing the importance of enhancing cooperation in this domain, free from hidden agendas and double standards, anchored on international law and the UN Charter. Furthermore, they underscored the necessity for robust implementation of relevant UNSC and UNGA resolutions, as well as balanced execution of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.