India takes over UNSC Presidency for August

This will be India’s first Presidency during its 2021-22 tenure as a non-permanent member of the Security Council. The country will again preside over the Council in December next year, the last month of its two-year tenure

Hyderabad:India on Sunday took over the Presidency of the United Nations Security Council from France. This will be India’s first Presidency during its 2021-22 tenure as a non-permanent member of the Security Council. The country will again preside over the Council in December next year, the last month of its two-year tenure. During this tenure, India will host events in three major areas, including maritime security, peacekeeping and counter-terrorism.

"India has just assumed the presidency of The UN Security Council. India and France enjoy historical and close relations. I thank France for all the support which they've given us during our stint in the Security Council," Ambassador of India to UN, TS Tirumurti said. "During our presidency, India will organise three high-level signature meetings focussing on our priority areas--maritime security, peacekeeping, and counter-terrorism. India will also organise a solemn event in memory of peacekeepers," he added.

The UNSC will also have on its agenda several important meetings, including Syria, Iraq, Somalia, Yemen and the Middle East. the Security Council is also likely to adopt important resolutions on Somalia, Mali and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon.

"We are committed to working with India on strategic issues as maritime security, peacekeeping and counter-terrorism, and upholding a rules-based, multilateral system," French envoy to India Emmanuel Lenain said.

"Truly impressed with the agenda, which embraces pressing global issues incl maritime security, peacekeeping & counter-terrorism. Expecting fruitful & effective work," Nikolay Kudashev, Russian Envoy to India, tweeted welcoming India's Presidency.

India’s presidency is viewed as a significant one because the country has been vocal about various global and regional issues including issues pertaining to violation of human rights, security situations in Afghanistan, Syria and Myanmar to name a few.

India began its two-year tenure as the non-permanent member in the powerful organ of the world body on January 1 this year. Ever since then, India has been doing its bit to bring about inclusive solutions to matters of international peace and matters concerning the security of the world as a whole. Also, the country has time and again reiterated its stance on reformed multilateralism, effective global governance on various global forums.