Permanent Mission of India

New York

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Informal meeting of the General Assembly to commemorate UN Charter Day – ‘Better Together: One Charter, One Future”  

Statement by Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, Permanent Representative

26 June 2026 

Madam President,

                        At the outset, I would like to place on record India’s sincere appreciation to you for convening today’s meeting.  Today’s theme is a powerful reminder that it is the UN Charter that binds member states to the world’s largest multilateral organization. India was an original founding member both of the League of Nations and the United Nations. The Preamble of the Indian Constitution also begins with “We the People” like the UN Charter.

2. India would like to make the following points on this commemorative occasion:

            First, the Charter reflects the shared desire of humanity to have a peaceful world. On reflection, it is evident today that the Charter does not fully deliver on its vision. Raging conflicts in different parts of the globe and consequent immeasurable human suffering bear testimony.

            Second, it is not the absence of provisions in the Charter that has been the real issue, but the gaps in their faithful implementation.  Member States apply these provisions selectively, in an inconsistent manner to suit their narrow interests. Some do not practice what they preach. Importantly, it is important to adhere to the Charter in letter and spirit.

            Third, for India, commitment to multilateralism is a way of life and runs deep in our veins. The fact that we received close to a million entries in the logo design contest in India for a commemorative stamp to mark the 80^th year of UN’s establishment exemplifies this.

            Fourth,  our contribution to the peace and security functions of the UN  attests to our abiding faith in the UN. As the largest cumulative troop contributor, as a country whose peacekeepers engage communities and empower societies, particularly women, as a member state whose deployment of the first all-female police unit gave wings to dreams of women in Liberia, Indian peacekeepers continue to leave an indelible impression in the areas they serve as they carry out their peacekeeping mandates. 

            Fifth, UN is often evaluated on the basis of its peace and security functions. This, however, must not reduce the importance of the UN’s development pillar. India has been leading by example by partnering closely with the UN towards realizing development aspirations of the Global South, particularly through the India-UN Development Partnership Fund.

            Finally, UN derives its pre-eminent position primarily from its universal membership. It is important to preserve this framework. However, reforms are key to its continued relevance. Principal organs of the UN, particularly the Security Council, must reflect today’s geo-political realities. It must be made fit-for-purpose, equipped to handle contemporary and future challenges.

            In closing,     India would like to emphasize that the UN Charter would continue to guide our engagements with the UN. However, this is a practical and living document that must be reviewed and contextualized to contemporary realities and must not be seen as immutable. I urge all member states to be guided by the same spirit.

            I thank you, Madam. President.

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