“India is a multilateral institution in its own right when it comes to its commitment to humanity…it is not only the fifth largest economy in the world, but the largest in terms of its heart, compassion, humanity and prioritizing life. Economy. Profit.”
Guyana’s Foreign Minister Hugh Hilton Todd had emotion and deep gratitude in his voice when he spoke of India’s role in managing the pandemic in the Caribbean, especially in providing vaccines. “Can you imagine that this is a country that has 1.3 billion citizens to look after and yet finds time to help the world?” he added with a sense of wonder.
This amazement and recognition of India’s post-independence footsteps, combined with hopes for India’s future and expectations that India will continue to contribute to the world’s public good, celebrates India@75’s special India-India partnership. It was a special event. The United Nations (UN) met in New York on Saturday on the sidelines of the UNGA. The event was organized by the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, headed by Ruchira Kamboji, Permanent Representative of India.
And messages came in from all quarters, with the UNGA Chair attending the event in person during the busiest week of the year. The UN Deputy Secretary-General (SG) will read out his SG’s message on the occasion. French Foreign Minister sending a message. The Foreign Ministers of Armenia, Antigua and Barbuda, Guyana, Jamaica, Tanzania, Maldives, Gambia, East Timor, Cyprus and Yemen praised India’s contributions, from vaccines to food security, development projects to international peacekeeping.
For India, it was not only a moment of pride, but also a moment that sent a strong message of commitment to multilateralism and solidarity with the Global South, which the United Nations and the Global South retaliated with full force.
Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said he had a story to tell. “This year, India turns 75. In the 18th century, India accounted for a quarter of the world’s GDP. By the mid-20th century, colonialism made us the poorest We have become one of the nations, that was our state when we became founding members of the United Nations, and now India proudly stands before you as the fifth largest economy in the world. And it is the strongest, most enthusiastic, and arguably the most controversial democracy.”
Jaishankar spoke about how India’s development depends on a digital public infrastructure designed to leave no one behind. “India today dreams of becoming a developed nation by 2047. We dream of digitizing even the most remote villages, landing on the moon, and even going digital.”
And through this journey, he said, India has benefited from partnerships with the United Nations and its agencies. He next cited India’s own contribution to the world’s good. The India-United Nations Development Partnership Fund is the first-ever single-country South-South initiative, spanning 66 projects in 51 countries. 250,000 Indian personnel participate in UN peacekeeping operations, more than any other country in the world. The leadership of the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure is helping countries with clean energy and fighting the climate crisis. Providing vaccines during pandemics. Food aid as the conflict in Ukraine “worsens food and energy inflation, making it one of the greatest challenges of our time.”
GA President Csaba Kőrösi said India hopes to have a “Diamond Jubilee”, adding that it is preceded by thousands of years of civilization history. He said the UN has spent the past week figuring out various interlocking crises. But one thing is clear. “These are difficult and difficult times. These are times of paradigm shift.. So far we have not been able to analyze all the symptoms, but the conditions for global cooperation have changed. We have entered a new era, a new chapter in history.”
And it was in this context that the “leadership and strong voice” of India, home to one-sixth of humanity, was important. The UNGA Chair noted that India is a leader in digital public infrastructure, both in terms of innovative governance and citizen services. “The international community has a lot to learn from India.” He said during his tenure that he aims to bridge the gap between the North and South of the world, and India’s experience and partnership in this regard is very important. added that it would be useful for
UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message, read by DSG Amina Mohammed, quotes Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message at the last UNGA: ‘When India reforms, the world changes’. The SG stated that India will be central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), stating that India’s post-independence I understand the development process.
But, as was the case with Guyana, the most heartfelt messages came from the foreign ministers of countries that benefited from India’s support.
Jamaica’s Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson-Smith recalled the devastating impact the pandemic had had on her country and said she had never felt more “helpless” than in the search for a vaccine. Talking to Dr. Karl gave me hope.” Jamaica’s immunization campaign began with vaccine deliveries from India. So at a time when others were withholding help, Jamaica was deeply grateful to India. She also noted that it was also India that provided vaccines to protect the United Nations’ Blue Helmets, a peacekeeping force.
Liberata Muramura, Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, enlivened the house with her energy and said: We are committed to working together and participating in peacekeeping operations to end colonialism, de-alignment, South-South cooperation, fight climate change, the SDGs, and maintain world peace. ”
“The Maldives looks forward to India’s leadership in the multilateral forum,” said Abdullah Shahid, Maldives’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, after completing his term as UNGA Chair. He acknowledged India’s assistance in areas spanning disaster relief, pandemics and vaccines, economic recovery, and helping tackle water infrastructure on India’s 34 islands. Yemen has thanked India for providing food in desperate need over the past few months.
At the end of the event, hours before speaking at UNGA, Jaishankar tweeted: This morning at the India@75 event the world talked about India…This morning at the India@75 event the Foreign Minister said she has the vaccine her Maitri in her body. Another, also from the Global South, pointed out that India may be the fifth largest economy, but it is the country with the biggest heart. After that, how can you not have a good day!
