Permanent Mission of India
New York
--

Arria-formula meeting on the normative gaps linking natural resources and peace: foundations and perspectives

Statement by Mr. Eldos Mathew Punnoose, Counsellor
13 July 2026

Madam Chair,

We thank the Democratic Republic of the Congo for convening this timely discussion on the governance of natural resources and their contribution to peace and sustainable development. There are indeed opportunities and challenges arising from the growing global demand for critical minerals and other natural resources.

Natural resources are first and foremost assets for national development. Their sustainable management, in accordance with national priorities and the principle of permanent sovereignty over natural resources, can generate employment, industrialisation, economic diversification and shared prosperity. At the same time, illicit exploitation and trafficking can, in specific situations, contribute to instability and finance armed groups. Addressing these challenges requires stronger national institutions, improved governance and enhanced international cooperation.

India believes that existing multilateral mechanisms should be fully utilised before considering the creation of new normative frameworks. In this regard, the Kimberley Process remains an important example of a voluntary, consensus-based and inclusive multi-stakeholder initiative that has contributed significantly to curbing the trade in conflict diamonds while facilitating legitimate trade. As Chair of the Kimberley Process in 2026, India remains committed to further strengthening its effectiveness, inclusiveness and responsiveness to emerging challenges through consensus among all participants.

At the same time, the proliferation of standards governing natural resource supply chains should not result in unnecessary compliance burdens or become disguised barriers to trade, particularly for developing countries. International standards should support market access, value addition in producing countries, technology transfer and capacity-building, while respecting national ownership and differing levels of development. Harmonisation, where appropriate, should facilitate development rather than constrain it.

Madam Chair,

As discussions evolve, it is important to preserve the distinct mandates of the principal organs of the United Nations. The Security Council has a clearly defined responsibility under the Charter for the maintenance of international peace and security. Questions relating to sustainable development, economic governance, equitable benefit-sharing and international norm-setting belong primarily within the purview of the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council, the Peacebuilding Commission and other relevant intergovernmental processes. We should therefore avoid the unintended securitisation of the broader development agenda or the expansion of mandates beyond those envisaged in the Charter.

Our efforts should instead focus on strengthening cooperation across the UN system, supporting national capacities, combating illicit trafficking where it contributes to conflict, and promoting resilient, transparent and inclusive resource governance that advances sustainable development.

Madam Chair,

It was not our intention to bring bilateral issues in this forum, but my delegation is compelled to respond to Pakistan, as it has chosen to misuse today’s discussion to peddle its false narrative.  

Our position on the Indus Water Treaty remains clear and consistent. Cooperation on the basis of mutual trust and goodwill cannot be expected when cross-border terrorism is regularly deployed as an instrument of State policy.

Instead of pointing fingers at India, Pakistan would serve itself and its people far better by putting its own house in order.

In closing, India stands ready to work constructively with all partners towards practical, balanced and consensus-based approaches that reinforce peace while enabling resource-rich developing countries to realise the full developmental potential of their natural resources.

I thank you, Madam Chair.

***