India committed to reformed multilateralism: India’s envoy to UN

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US to participate in the UN Summit of the Future, India’s newly appointed Permanent Representative to the United Nations Parvathaneni Harish has underscored India’s unflinching commitment to reformed multilateralism and the revitalization of the UN. India-UN cooperation exemplary: Guterres   On September 10, 2024, Mr Harish presented his credentials to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, marking the official beginning of his tenure at the UN. In his first meeting with Mr Guterres, Mr Harish conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to reshaping global governance structures, particularly in light of contemporary global challenges. “India is a fundamental pillar of the democratic system in the UN, and cooperation between India and the UN is exemplary,” Mr Guterres said, warmly welcoming Mr Harish to the UN in New York. Commitment to UN Reform and Peacekeeping The Indian envoy made a strong pitch for accelerating reform within the United Nations. He discussed the importance of reformed multilateralism, emphasizing both political and economic dimensions. This, he argued, is necessary to address the challenges of today’s world, including peace and security, economic inequality, and the growing role of digital technology in global development. Mr Harish also focused on peacekeeping, a crucial aspect of India’s role in the UN. As a major troop-contributing nation, India has long advocated for involving these countries in peacekeeping decisions. The envoy pressed for reforms to ensure that nations actively contributing troops have a greater say in peacekeeping operations. This demand reflects India’s leadership in global peace initiatives and its desire for a more equitable distribution of responsibilities in international peacekeeping efforts. Engaging Key UN Leaders The day after presenting his credentials, Mr Harish met Philemon Yang, the incoming President of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly. During their meeting, the Indian envoy assured Yang of India’s support in advancing key global priorities. The two discussed issues like artificial intelligence, capacity building, and fostering a digital future, particularly for developing nations in the global south. The Indian envoy also held productive discussions with Dennis Francis, President of the 78th session of the General Assembly. Following their meeting, he highlighted the importance of India’s partnership with the General Assembly, expressing appreciation for the Assembly’s support of India during Francis’s presidency. The two leaders discussed pressing global issues such as the Gaza conflict, peace and security, and the role of technology in shaping economic development. Diplomatic Ties and Global Partnerships A former ambassador of India to Germany and Vietnam, Mr Harish brings a wealth of expertise to his role at the UN. His career also includes postings in Houston, Riyadh, and Cairo, where he gained deep insights into the Middle East, including the conflict in Gaza. His unique background makes him an asset in dealing with some of the most pressing issues on the global agenda. Shortly after his appointment, Mr Harish engaged in bilateral meetings with several of his global counterparts. His meeting with Amandeep Singh Gill, the UN Secretary-General’s envoy on technology, reflected India’s increasing focus on digital diplomacy. India and the UN discussed ways to leverage technology for economic development and to turbocharge progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Additionally, Mr Harish met ambassadors from key nations such as Japan, Egypt, and Brazil. His discussions with Japanese Ambassador Yamazaki Kazuyuki centered on strengthening the “Special Strategic and Global Partnership” between India and Japan, particularly in the context of G4—a group advocating for the expansion of the UN Security Council’s permanent membership. The envoy’s interaction with Egypt’s Ambassador Osama Abdel Khalek highlighted the ongoing peace process in Gaza, with both nations agreeing to work closely on this issue at the UN.