UNSC Meeting: Adoption of MINUSMA Mandate

29 June 2022

India’s Explanation of Vote

Thank you, Mr. President. I am taking the floor to explain India’s position on the resolution just adopted.

2. Terrorism remains the single most serious threat to peace and security in Mali and Sahel. We thank the French delegation, the penholder on this file, for taking into consideration our suggestion to reinforce the language on terrorism and on the pressing need to address this challenge. 

3. The primary responsibility of fighting terrorism and providing security to its population lies with Malian authorities. MINUSMA peacekeepers need to support relevant Malian authorities in countering terrorist groups. However, MINUSMA peacekeepers cannot be tasked to undertake counterterrorism operations. 

4.     Ambiguous phraseology in the resolution such as ‘robust posture’; ‘robust and proactive steps to protect civilians’, and ‘enhance the robustness of posture of MINUSMA’ may possibly place the UN peacekeepers on ground at a disadvantage. Interpretation of peacekeeping mandates must be well defined and have a strong legal basis, without any scope for creative interpretation. 

5.   In addition, the issue of climate change should be addressed holistically through the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in accordance with its provisions and principles, and the Paris Agreement. No artificial link should be drawn between climate change and security related issues without any firm scientific basis. 

6. Mali needs the continued support of its bilateral and international partners, including the UN, AU and ECOWAS to overcome the capacity gaps. We reiterate our commitment to support Mali in its pursuit of lasting peace, stability and security.

I thank you.