India will aim to be the voice of reason and moderation at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), to which it has just been elected as a non permanent member for 2021-22. It will also be the voice for all those not represented in the council.
Addressing the media, Secretary West, Vikas Swarup said that these elections were the best performance for India ever at the UNSC. India will be sitting at the council for the eighth time. India garnered 184 of the 192, an overwhelming support given that a member needs to get two thirds of the votes (128). The elections are through a secret ballot.
India's term begins on January 1, 2021. India's term will coincide with the 75th year of the formation of the United Nations and later, also the 75 th year of India's independence.
Differences with permanent member China has turned into disputes and with the loss of 20 Indian soldiers at Galwan recently, India's seat in the council has come at a crucial time.
India has been pressing for reforms in the international world order, specially in the United Nations which does not reflect new realities. New Orientation for Reformed Multilateralism (NORM) is what the mandarins of South Block have termed this push.
India's guiding principles will be the five point S articulated by prime minister Narendra Modi namely Samman (respect) Samvad (dialogue), Sahyog (cooperation), Samriddhi (prosperity) and Shanti (peace).
Swarup said that India had been pushing for reforms in all multilateral bodies. Covid 19, he said , is the biggest crisis facing our generation. Under the UN, this is taken care of by the World Health Organisation which, too, needs reorienting.
He's also said India would seek to streamline the United Nations Peacekeeping Force and initiate use of technology with a human touch, specially in dealing with the Covid 19 pandemic at the multilateral level.
He said India's approach would continue to be too seek peace and security by observing international laws.