IGNOUMATIC

India’s role in the United Nations (UN) has been a cornerstone of its foreign policy, reflecting its commitment to multilateralism, international peace, and the promotion of social justice. India, a founding member of the UN, has always supported the principles of the UN Charter and emphasized its role in fostering a rules-based international order. Over the years, India’s engagement with the UN has evolved, driven by its own national interests, its aspirations to play a larger role in global governance, and its active participation in peacekeeping, disarmament, and the reform of global institutions.

1. India’s Role in Peacekeeping Operations

India has been a strong advocate of peacekeeping operations under the aegis of the UN. It has one of the largest contingents of peacekeepers deployed globally and has contributed to more than 40 of the 71 UN peacekeeping operations since its independence. India’s participation in peacekeeping is seen as a reflection of its commitment to international peace and security.

India has not only contributed troops to peacekeeping missions but also provided significant logistical and financial support to UN operations. The country has earned a global reputation for its professionalism and impartiality in such operations. Notably, India’s contribution to peacekeeping in countries like Congo, Rwanda, and Sierra Leone demonstrates its active involvement in conflict resolution and humanitarian efforts.

India’s role in peacekeeping also reflects its broader foreign policy stance, which stresses the importance of international cooperation and collective security. India has called for reforms in UN peacekeeping to enhance its efficiency, with an emphasis on ensuring that such missions remain under the UN’s command and are not unduly influenced by any one country.

2. Advocacy for Global Disarmament

India has been a consistent advocate of disarmament within the UN framework. It has played a prominent role in pushing for nuclear disarmament, advocating for a world free of nuclear weapons. However, India’s stance on nuclear non-proliferation has evolved. Initially, India opposed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), seeing it as discriminatory because it established a division between nuclear and non-nuclear states.

India’s own nuclear tests in 1974 (Smiling Buddha) and the 1998 nuclear tests (Operation Shakti) led to its permanent exclusion from the NPT framework. Nevertheless, India has supported various UN resolutions calling for the elimination of weapons of mass destruction, while emphasizing the importance of ensuring that any disarmament framework does not discriminate against countries like India that are outside the NPT.

India’s leadership role in the Conference on Disarmament and its consistent calls for a universal and non-discriminatory approach to disarmament further reflect its commitment to the peaceful resolution of global security issues.

3. India’s Push for UN Security Council Reform

India has been an ardent proponent of reforming the UN Security Council (UNSC). India argues that the current structure of the UNSC, dominated by the five permanent members (P5)—the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom—no longer reflects the current geopolitical realities. India’s rapid rise as an economic power and its growing global influence has led it to call for a permanent seat in the UNSC.

India’s pursuit of a permanent seat on the UNSC has been driven by its desire to have a more active and influential role in shaping decisions on global security issues. India has argued that the inclusion of countries like India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan—representing large, diverse regions—would help make the UNSC more representative and democratic.

India has actively lobbied for these reforms within the G4 nations (India, Japan, Germany, and Brazil) and other developing countries. The push for UNSC reform is also part of India’s broader agenda to ensure that the global governance system reflects the interests of emerging powers and developing nations, which are underrepresented in key international decision-making bodies.

4. India’s Engagement in Humanitarian and Development Initiatives

India has consistently supported the UN’s humanitarian missions, particularly in the areas of health, education, and poverty alleviation. India’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is evident in its active participation in UN-led programs such as the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

India’s humanitarian initiatives have also extended beyond its borders, where it has provided disaster relief, food aid, and technical assistance to countries facing natural disasters or political crises. India’s response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, where it played a leading role in providing relief to affected countries like Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Maldives, is an example of its engagement with UN bodies and its commitment to regional peace and stability.

5. India and the UN Climate Change Agenda

India has been an important voice in the UN climate change negotiations, particularly under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). India has consistently called for climate justice, advocating for the right of developing countries to grow economically while addressing climate challenges. India’s active role in the Paris Agreement on climate change, where it committed to reducing its carbon emissions, reflects its balancing act between economic growth and environmental responsibility.

India’s position has been that developed nations, which have historically contributed the most to global emissions, should take greater responsibility in addressing climate change. This stance has positioned India as a key player in global environmental diplomacy, where it continues to push for equitable and inclusive solutions.

6. India’s Support for UN Human Rights Initiatives

India is a strong advocate for human rights at the UN, though its support is often shaped by the principle of national sovereignty. India has been involved in discussions surrounding women’s rights, children’s welfare, and the rights of marginalized communities, particularly in the context of poverty, education, and health.

India has also been involved in discussions related to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and its implementation, advocating for the rights of indigenous people and refugees in global forums.

Conclusion

India’s role in the United Nations reflects its evolving position as a global power. While it has historically supported multilateralism, international law, and peaceful conflict resolution, India’s focus on issues like disarmament, UN Security Council reform, and climate change demonstrates its ambition to shape the global order. India’s growing influence in the UN system is reflective of its rising stature on the world stage, underlining its commitment to global peace and sustainable development. India’s future engagement with the UN will likely continue to be shaped by its interests in global governance reforms, regional stability, and development cooperation.