Mr. President,

    When the United Nations was established in 1945 more than seven decades ago, almost a third of the world's population lived in Territories that were non-self-governing and dependent on colonial powers. 

2.    As a country that has gone through the throes of decolonisation, India since its own independence in 1947, has always been in the forefront of the struggle against colonialism and apartheid. 

3.    India was the co-sponsor of the landmark 1960 Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, adopted by the General Assembly, which proclaimed the need to unconditionally end colonialism in all its forms and manifestations.

4.    In 1962, India was elected as the first chair of the Decolonization Committee (Committee of 24) that was established to monitor implementation of the 1960 Declaration and to make recommendations on its application. India continues to be an active member of the Committee today. 

5.    Our ceaseless efforts to put an end to colonialism are well on record. 

Mr. President,

6.    As a result of sustained collective efforts by the UN membership, today, fewer than 2 million people live in non-self governing Territories, according to UN documentation. Since the creation of the United Nations,  more than 80 former colonies have gained their independence and have taken their rightful place in this august Assembly. 

7.    However, the process of decolonisation that began with our own independence, still remains unfinished seven decades later. In fact, in 2011, the General Assembly proclaimed the 2011-2020 decade as the Third International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism. We would like to see a conclusion to this long-drawn process. 

8.    Having said that, Mr. President, India shares with the international community, security concerns relating to the Indian Ocean. We are conscious of our collective commitment towards ensuring the security and prosperity of our oceanic space. 

9.    On balance, however, it is a matter of principle for India to uphold the process of decolonisation and the respect for sovereignty of nations.  

10.    As part of our longstanding support to all peoples striving for decolonization, we have also consistently supported Mauritius, a fellow developing country from Africa with whom we have age-old people to people bonds, in their quest for the restoration of their sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago.

Mr. President,

11.    Continuing with our consistent approach on this important issue of decolonization, India supports the draft resolution contained in document A/71/L.73 proposed by Mauritius and co-sponsored on behalf of the States that are members of the Group of African States and will vote in favour of it.

 Thank you Mr. President.

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