New Delhi: India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, delivered a special address at the 'India: The Next Decade' conference hosted by the Deepak and Neera Raj Center at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. She emphasized India's unique position as a potential mediator in international conflicts, stating, "India's strategic position enables it to engage with various power blocs constructively." 

Kamboj highlighted India's proactive approach to fostering dialogue and understanding, noting, "In recent years, the international community has witnessed India's proactive approach to fostering dialogue and understanding across diverse nations." She emphasized India's ability to maintain friendly relations with countries having differing ideologies and governance models. 

Addressing the urgent need for UN reforms, Kamboj asserted, "The world also acknowledges that India’s claim for the membership of the Council cannot be disregarded for long." She stressed that India is eminently qualified for permanent membership of the Security Council based on objective criteria such as population, territory, GDP, and past contributions to UN peacekeeping operations. 

Columbia University Professor Arvind Panagariya provided insights into India's economic growth, predicting it to become the world's third-largest economy by the end of 2026. He highlighted the symbolic impact of India's rise in the global order and its growth trajectory over the past decade. 

Kamboj further emphasized India's role as a humanitarian first responder, stating, "India's robust leadership in the realm of counter-terrorism is rooted in a deep understanding born from its own experiences as a victim of terrorism." She underscored India's commitment to fostering joint action on a global scale and the importance of unified and coordinated efforts to combat terrorism.

The conference provided a platform for experts, students, economists, and academicians to delve into India's evolving position on the international stage.

Source: PTI | ANI