The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations congratulates the team of Indian Panorama for publishing this special issue on the occasion of the 67th Republic Day of India. On the occasion of the 67th celebration of Republic Day, I extend my warmest greetings to all Indian origin community in America.

66 years ago, the people of India adopted our Constitution with a dream of building a nation on the fundamental principles of equality, justice, liberty and fraternity. In this short span of time, India has established itself as a rising global power, deriving strength from its over one billion people, ancient wisdom, values, traditions, scientific outlook, robust economic growth and rich natural resources. We are also proud that India is counted among the few nations that have robust space and nuclear programmes.

As one of the founding members, India has enriched United Nations and the goals of UN Charter with its political and civilizational ethos. We have selflessly shared with the world our vision of vasudeve kutmbhkam and Om Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, bringing valuable contributions to the three pillars of the United Nations’ work: international peace and security, development and human rights. The proclamation of June 21 as the International Day of Yoga last year is the most recent example of India’s quest for healthy living.

We have also played a key role in the evolution of the UN’s specialized programmes and agencies, and UN global initiatives including peacekeeping, global disarmament, fight against apartheid and decolonization. India respects foremost the sovereignty of nations, rule of law, pluralism, peaceful coexistence and non-interference.

As a responsible nuclear power, India desires a peaceful, secure and stable environment for development. We are an important partner in UN Peacekeeping operations, and have contributed nearly 180,000 troops, the largest number from any country, participating in more than 44 UN-Peacekeeping Missions.

India is the founding member of NAM and G77 and has acquired the leading role of pursuing the aspirations of developing countries and the creation of a more equitable international economic and political order. Similarly, as a long standing member of the Human Rights Council, India is committed to work tirelessly for the promotion and protection of human rights.

Despite all progress, the 21st century remains fraught with existing and newly emerging challenges including terrorism, violent extremism, armed conflict, epidemics, natural disasters, poverty eradication, climate change and inequality. India is a strong advocate of the policy of “zero tolerance” on terrorism. India is a committed partner in the spirit of multilateralism to achieve comprehensive and equitable solutions to these challenges.

The year 2015 was a historic milestone in the history of multilateral cooperation culminating in the adoption of the “transformative” Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development and the UNFCCC Paris Agreement on Climate change. There is no doubt that the ‘transformation’ desired to be achieved by 2030 can become a reality only if we uphold the inalienable right of every person to development and create an equitable and just international order for its full realization.

It is our strong belief that the way forward is to address the much needed UN reforms, including the expansion of the Security Council in both permanent and non-permanent categories. This is an imperative for the collective efforts of the international community to realise the objectives of internationally agreed goals.

Our Government is committed to transform India as a global power. Though the journey is long and arduous, our resolve is stronger.

I wish the team of Indian Panorama and the Indian origin community a very happy new year and congratulate them for making India proud of their valuable contributions to society.

Syed Akbaruddin