Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs, met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in New York on February 29, 2024. Discussions centered on several key global issues, including India’s G20 Presidency, the situation in Myanmar, and ongoing efforts towards UN Security Council reform.
Singh highlighted India’s commitment to its G20 priorities, particularly the inclusion of the African Union within the G20 framework, achieved during India’s presidency. He emphasized the positive impact of this inclusion on global cooperation and representation.
Regarding Myanmar, Singh conveyed India’s concerns about the deteriorating humanitarian situation and the ongoing political instability. He reiterated India’s support for a peaceful resolution through dialogue and emphasized the need for the international community to work collectively to address the crisis. India is providing humanitarian assistance to Myanmar.
A significant portion of the discussion focused on UN Security Council reform. Singh underscored India’s long-standing call for a more representative and effective Security Council, reflecting the current global realities. He stressed the importance of increasing the representation of developing countries in both permanent and non-permanent categories of the Council. India believes a reformed Security Council is crucial for maintaining international peace and security.
Singh also briefed the Secretary-General on India’s development cooperation initiatives and its commitment to South-South cooperation. He highlighted India’s role as a responsible and reliable partner in addressing global challenges.
Guterres acknowledged India’s constructive role in international forums and appreciated its commitment to multilateralism. He expressed his support for India’s efforts towards a more inclusive and equitable global order. The meeting affirmed the strong and growing partnership between India and the United Nations. The Indian Permanent Mission to the UN was also present during the meeting.
