India takes over UNSC presidency with pledge to work for humanity, focus on terror

TIL Desk/World/UN/ India took over the presidency of the Security Council on Sunday with a pledge to work for entire humanity while bringing a focus to the challenges of terrorism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a video message on India’s presidency, said: “We must think of the entire humanity and not only of those who are on our side of the border. Humanity, as a whole, must be at the centre of our thinking and action.

“External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said that, at the Council: “India will keep the international spotlight firmly focused on the task of combatting terrorism, the pandemic and climate change, which are global challenges that transcend national boundaries.”

India’s Permanent Representative T.S. Tirumurti will preside over the Council this month in a chamber where the iconic painting of a rising Phoenix, symbolising the UN’s endeavour to bring the world out of the chaos of war, looms over the horseshoe table for the 15 national representatives.

India took over the presidency of the Council, which rotates alphabetically every month, from France and will hand off to Ireland next month. Tirumurti said that India will be organising three high-level signature meetings focusing on its priority areas — maritime security, peacekeeping and counter-terrorism.