India takes over UNSC presidency for August

India on Sunday assumed the rotating Presidency of the United Nations Security Council for the month of August. It has several important items on its agenda for the world body's functioning under this period, especially those focusing on areas of its core interests. "During our Presidency in August, India is organising three high-level signature meetings, focusing on our priority areas: maritime security, peacekeeping, and counterterrorism," India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador TS Tirumurti, said in a video message straight from the Security Council. “It is a singular honour for us to be presiding over the Security Council the same month when we are celebrating our 75th Independence Day,” Tirumurti said.

Flagging off its tenure, India thanked France, its immediate predecessor in the position, for leading the Council in July. "India and France enjoy historical and close relations. I thank France for all the support which they’ve given us during our stint in the Security Council,” he further added. As part of its new role, India will decide the UN body’s agenda for the month and coordinate important meetings on a range of issues. “Security Council will also have on its agenda several important meetings including Syria, Iraq, Somalia, Yemen, and the Middle East. Security Council will also be adopting important resolutions on Somalia, Mali, & UN Interim Force in Lebanon,” TS Tirumurti said. In his tweet, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar  said that India will always be ” voice of moderation, an advocate of dialogue and a proponent of international law.”

As we take over UNSC Presidency for August, look forward to working productively with other members.

India will always be a voice of moderation, an advocate of dialogue and a proponent of international law. pic.twitter.com/kPRGnFOz87

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 1, 2021

Former permanent representative of India to the United Nations, Syed Akbaruddin said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the first Indian PM to preside over a meeting of the UNSC. In 75 plus yrs, this is the first time our political leadership has invested in presiding over an event of UNSC. It shows that leadership wants to lead from the front. he said.