Since becoming a founding member of the United Nations (UN) in 1945, India has played a consistent and active role in the organization. As the world’s largest democracy and one of its oldest civilizations, India has aligned its foreign policy with the UN’s founding principles of peace, human dignity, and cooperation among nations. From peacekeeping missions to championing decolonization, from promoting human rights to advocating climate justice, India’s contributions to the UN have been significant, wide-ranging, and deeply influential.
India and the Founding of the UN
India was still under British colonial rule when the UN was created, but it became a founding signatory to the UN Charter in 1945. This early participation underscored India’s aspirations to shape global peace and justice. At the San Francisco Conference (1945), India was represented by Sir Arcot Ramaswamy Mudaliar, who later served as the first President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
Role in Decolonization,Human Rights
– Champion of Freedom Movements: In the 1950s and 1960s, India emerged as a strong advocate of decolonization. It raised the issue of apartheid in South Africa at the UN as early as 1946, one of the first countries to do so. India consistently supported liberation movements in Asia and Africa.
– Human Rights Advocacy: Indian diplomat Hansa Mehta, as part of the UN Human Rights Commission, played a key role in shaping the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), ensuring that Article 1 referred to “all human beings” rather than “all men.”
– Peaceful Diplomacy: India’s policy of non-alignment and peaceful negotiation influenced many UN debates during the Cold War era.
India and UN Peacekeeping Operations
Perhaps India’s most visible and enduring contribution has been through UN Peacekeeping. India is among the largest troop-contributing countries and has participated in more than 50 UN missions since 1948.
Key Contributions:
– Korean War (1950s): India sent a medical unit and chaired the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission.
– Congo (1960s): Indian troops played a critical role in stabilizing the Congo during its post-independence crisis.
– Middle East (1956 onwards): India sent troops to supervise peace after the Suez Crisis and in later Arab-Israeli conflicts.
– Modern Operations: India has contributed to missions in Somalia, Sierra Leone, Sudan, South Sudan, Lebanon, and Democratic Republic of Congo.
Notable Features:
– India has deployed over 200,000 personnel in UN missions-the largest by any country.
– Indian peacekeepers have earned global respect for professionalism and sacrifice, with more than 175 Indian soldiers having laid down their lives in UN service.
– India has pioneered the inclusion of women in peacekeeping. In 2007, India deployed the first all-female Formed Police Unit to Liberia, which inspired local women to join security services.
India and Global Development Agendas
– Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): India has actively supported the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Its domestic programs like *Swachh Bharat Abhiyan* (Clean India Mission) and *International Solar Alliance* align with global goals on health, sanitation, renewable energy, and climate change.
– Climate Action: India has emerged as a leader in climate diplomacy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s proposal of the International Day of Yoga (adopted by the UN in 2014) links wellness with sustainable living. India’s role in forming the International Solar Alliance (ISA), supported by the UN, underscores its leadership in renewable energy.
India and the UN Security Council
India has served as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC) eight times (most recently for 2021-2022). During these terms, India has contributed to discussions on counterterrorism, peacekeeping reforms, and global security.
India has long advocated for UNSC reform, arguing that the Council’s structure-frozen since 1945-no longer reflects contemporary realities. India seeks a permanent seat in the UNSC, supported by many countries, citing its:
– Large population (world’s most populous nation)
– Status as the world’s largest democracy
– Growing economic and military power
– Consistent record in supporting UN activities
India and the International
Court of Justice (ICJ)
India has actively participated in the ICJ. In 2017, Indian judge Dalveer Bhandari was re-elected to the ICJ after a fiercely contested election, signaling international support for India’s judicial expertise.
India’s Recent UN Engagements
– Counterterrorism: India has consistently urged the UN to adopt a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) to define and combat terrorism.
– COVID-19 Pandemic: India supplied vaccines and medicines to many countries under the UN-backed COVAX initiative, earning the title “Pharmacy of the World.”
– Humanitarian Assistance: India has contributed generously to UN humanitarian funds and disaster relief, such as aid for earthquakes, floods, and refugee crises.
India’s journey with the UN reflects both ideals and pragmatism. From championing decolonization and human rights to becoming a global leader in peacekeeping and climate diplomacy, India has left an indelible mark on the organization. While it continues to press for reforms in the Security Council to reflect contemporary realities, India’s contributions to peace, justice, and sustainable development remain central to the UN’s mission.
In the words of former Indian diplomat V.K. Krishna Menon, one of India’s most prominent voices at the UN:
“The United Nations is not merely a forum of states-it is the conscience of humanity.” India’s role ensures that this conscience continues to speak for peace, justice, and a better future for all.
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