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US Envoy Slips at UNSC, Blames Israel for ‘Chaos’

June 21, 2025, 4:06 pm

During increased tensions between Israel and Iran, a gaffe by a senior US diplomat at the UN Security Council (UNSC) session on Friday caused uproar. The US Chargé d’Affaires ad interim to the UN, Dorothy Shea, briefly attributed ‘chaos, terror and suffering’ in the Middle East to Israel before rushing to correct herself to Iran.

In her speech, Shea declared, “Israel’s government has also spread chaos, terror and suffering throughout the region,” broke into a silence, shook her head, and corrected herself, “Iran’s government has also spread chaos, terror and suffering throughout the region.” She proceeded without interruption, declaring, “Let us not forget that the Iranian government was an enabling and ideological material force behind Hamas’s deadly assault on Israel.”

US Reaffirms Support for Israel

Undeterred by the embarrassing moment, Shea reaffirmed America’s unshakable support for Israel. “Let there be no doubt that the United States stands firm with Israel and stands behind Israel’s actions in the face of Iran’s nuclear drive,” she stated.

She called on Iran to go another way, saying it was ‘not too late for the Iranian government to do the right thing’. Quoting President Donald Trump’s line, Shea added that Iran ‘must abandon its nuclear enrichment program entirely and all ambitions to obtain a nuclear weapon’.

She reminded the council of Iran’s aggressiveness, noting Tehran had long demanded the ‘destruction of Israel and death to America’. The US diplomat also referenced a recent joint declaration by G7 leaders, labeling Iran as the ‘principal source of instability and terror’ in the region.

Iran Warns of US Involvement

Reacting to the mounting tensions, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday threatened that any additional involvement by the US would be catastrophic and said, “It would be very, very dangerous for everyone” if America got directly involved in the conflict.

Trump Issues Deadline to Iran

Earlier on the day, President Trump had shown doubt about any near-truce, stating that it would be ‘very hard to stop’ Israel from continuing its assault. “Israel’s doing well in the area of war. And, I think, you would say that Iran’s doing less well. It’s a little bit hard to get somebody to stop,” Trump stated.

While the White House indicated that there was still a ‘substantial chance of negotiations’, Trump left no doubt for Iran. “I’m giving them a time period, and I would say two weeks would be the maximum,” he said, threatening US military action if Iran does not back down.

Shea wrapped up by urging the UNSC to push Iran to change its policy, emphasizing that ‘escalating rhetoric’ will not be in Tehran’s interests.

India to Present Terror Evidence Against Pakistan at UNSC Sanctions Meet

May 11, 2025, 5:49 pm

India is all set to present strong evidence at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) next week, showcasing Pakistan’s role in supporting terrorism. India has made the move before the UNSC’s 1267 Sanctions Committee meeting, in which it will urge tightened sanctions against Pakistan-based terror groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba.

Even though efforts in the past were thwarted, India is resolute about bringing Pakistan under the scanner and tackling issues related to the transparency of the UNSC’s decision-making process. As Pakistan dismisses these charges, the ensuing negotiations will prove vital in deciding the course of global counter-terror initiatives.

India to send a team to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) with the latest evidence of Pakistan’s complicity with terrorism. Next week, the UNSCR 1267 sanctions committee will meet: Sources pic.twitter.com/KEFi17kdwc

— ANI (@ANI) May 11, 2025

Strategic Timing and Diplomatic Importance

India has made this submission at the right moment. The UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee meeting comes after recent military attacks, such as Operation Sindoor, where Indian forces targeted terror camps in Pakistan. India will present detailed intelligence reports along with supporting evidence to support its case.

This is an attempt to sway international opinion and compel the imposition of stronger measures on Pakistan.

Pakistan’s History with Terrorism

Pakistan has been a haven for organizations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed for a long time. These groups have been behind attacks in India, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Pakistan has not made concerted efforts to dismantle these groups despite international outrage.

India’s evidence will show Pakistan’s ongoing support for these groups in an attempt to put pressure on the UNSC to act decisively.

Impact on Regional Security and Global Counterterrorism Efforts

India’s action can redefine the security equation in the region. If the UNSC is convinced by India’s evidence, it may result in stricter sanctions against Pakistan. Greater international pressure might compel Pakistan to take action against terrorist groups on its soil. Any hesitation on the part of UNSC members to act, could encourage Pakistan and weaken the fight against terrorism across the world.

India’s address at the UNSC is an important move in its continued struggle against cross-border terrorism. The UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee’s reaction will be instrumental in ascertaining if international pressure against Pakistan increases. The world waits with bated breath, as the result will have implications for regional stability and global counterterrorism.

UNSC to Hold Urgent Closed Consultations Amid India-Pakistan Tension

May 5, 2025, 2:57 pm

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will convene closed-door consultations today to try to respond to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 22 terrorist attack on Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The Greek Presidency convened the session for today afternoon after a request from Islamabad, made in “closed consultations,” was formalised.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Sunday said it would apprise the UNSC of developments in the region, particularly following India’s move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty. “This important diplomatic move is part of Pakistan’s efforts to present accurate facts to the international community,” the Foreign Office wrote. Pakistan is one of the ten non-permanent members of the 15-member Council.

The UNSC has five permanent members—China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US—while ten other non-permanent members are Algeria, Denmark, Greece, Guyana, Pakistan, Panama, South Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and Somalia. Greece is currently presiding over the Council in May.

Speaking to the media before the meeting, Greece’s Permanent Representative to the UN and President of the Security Council for the month, Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris, stated, “This is a position of principle. We condemn terrorism in all its forms, everywhere it is happening. On the other hand, we are concerned about this tension which is mounting in the region.”

India Reacts with Firm Diplomatic Steps

India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty in retaliation against the terror attack, citing “sustained cross-border terrorism” attributed to Pakistan. It also expelled Pakistani military attaches, closed the Attari land-transit post, and warned the United Nations against letting Pakistan abuse the international forum.

A week ago, India initiated a diplomatic initiative to eight non-permanent member states of the Council to counter Pakistan’s narrative. Rejecting any role in the Pahalgam attack, Islamabad had demanded a “neutral investigation.”

Last week, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, claimed Pakistan’s right to call a Security Council meeting. “Here it is evident that there was an incident but now what has evolved in terms of the situation which is a real threat to regional and international peace and security, and we believe that the Security Council, in fact, has the mandate, and it would be very legitimate for any member of the Council, including Pakistan, to request a meeting,” Ahmad stated.

Escalation of Diplomatic and Trade Measures

Punishing India, Pakistan shut down its airspace to Indian aircraft and cut off all trade, including with third-party countries. Islamabad also dismissed the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, and referred to any attempt by India to shut down the water supply as an “act of war.”

The closed consultations of the Security Council are likely to offer a forum for both nations to lay out their stances. But with no official resolution in sight, the diplomatic impasse seems far from over.

‘Pure Evil’: Hamas Sends Wrong Body, Israel Calls It A ‘New Low’

February 21, 2025, 10:40 am

Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, has strongly condemned Hamas for returning the wrong body instead of that of Shiri Bibas, the mother of two children. He criticized Hamas for treating human remains as “worthless shipments” and described their actions as “a new low, an evil and cruelty with no parallel.”

Danon urged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to denounce what he called a “heinous crime” and to push for the immediate release of Shiri Bibas. He also accused Palestinian militants of murdering her two young children, Ariel and Kfir Bibas, who had become symbols of the hostage crisis.

Israel Identifies Remains of Bibas Children

According to Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee, the remains of the Bibas children have been identified. He stated that intelligence assessments indicate Ariel, 4, and Kfir, 10 months, were brutally killed in captivity by Palestinian militants in November 2023.

“This is an unspeakable atrocity. Hamas not only murdered a toddler and an infant but continues to violate basic moral values even after their deaths,” Danon said.

US Condemns Hamas’ Actions, Calls for Retaliation

US hostage envoy Adam Boehler called Hamas’ act of handing over an unidentified body “horrific” and a “clear violation” of ceasefire agreements.

“If I were them, I’d release everybody, or they are going to face total annihilation,” Boehler warned in an interview with CNN. He criticized Hamas for its deception, questioning whether they believed Israel would not recognize the mistaken identity.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for Hamas’ complete eradication, writing on X, “Hamas is evil – pure evil – and must be eradicated. ALL hostages must come home NOW.”

Argentina Declares National Mourning

In response to the tragic deaths, Argentine President Javier Milei announced a two-day national mourning period for Ariel and Kfir Bibas.

A statement from Milei’s office expressed condolences to the Bibas family, particularly Yarden Bibas, the father of the children, who endured 484 days of uncertainty before learning of his sons’ deaths.

“The entire nation mourns this horrific loss,” the statement read, reinforcing Argentina’s strong condemnation of Hamas’ actions.

BRICS Summit: S. Jaishankar Advocates for India’s Permanent Seat at UN, Emphasizes Dialogue Over War

October 24, 2024, 4:54 pm

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has called for India’s permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) during his address at the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia. He stressed the need for reforming established institutions to foster a more equitable global order and reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stance that “this is not an era of war.”

Reforming Global Institutions for Equitable Development

Dr. Jaishankar highlighted the profound changes in the global order brought about by BRICS, while noting that many past inequities persist in new forms. He emphasized the uneven benefits of globalization and how the COVID-19 pandemic, along with various conflicts, has intensified the challenges faced by the Global South.

“The world is in danger of falling significantly behind in realizing the targets of sustainable development goals,” he warned. He outlined several measures to create a more equitable global order, including:

Strengthening Independent Platforms: Expanding choices and reducing reliance on those that can be leveraged.
Reforming the UNSC: Updating both permanent and non-permanent member categories, as well as reforming multilateral development banks.
Democratizing the Global Economy: Establishing more production hubs to enhance supply chain resilience.
Correcting Colonial Infrastructure Distortions: Improving global connectivity options while respecting territorial integrity.
Sharing Innovative Initiatives: Promoting initiatives like India’s Digital Public Infrastructure and the International Solar Alliance.

Dr. Jaishankar’s remarks come amid India’s longstanding demand for a permanent UNSC seat, which has gained support from major global powers, including the US, UK, and France.

Addressing Global Conflicts with Diplomacy

In his address, Dr. Jaishankar also touched upon the ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine, reiterating the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in conflict resolution. He noted that “disputes and differences must be settled by dialogue,” emphasizing adherence to international law and a zero-tolerance policy for terrorism.

He expressed concerns over the situation in the Middle East, stating, “There is widespread anxiety that the conflict would spread further in the region,” and reiterated India’s long-held position advocating for a two-state solution in the Palestine issue.

Watch: UK Foreign Secretary Accuses Putin Of Creating “Mafia State” At UNSC Speech

September 25, 2024, 4:20 pm

In a passionate speech to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), British Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of turning Russia into a “mafia state” and attempting to expand it into a “mafia empire.” Lammy criticized Putin’s actions in Ukraine and Africa, asserting that his motives are purely self-serving.

“Vladimir Putin, when you fire missiles into Ukrainian hospitals, we know who you are. When you send mercenaries to African countries and murder opponents in European cities, we know who you are. Your invasion is solely for your own interests, to expand your mafia state into a mafia empire built on corruption,” Lammy stated.

Putin’s invasion of Ukraine is in his interest – and his interest alone.

To expand his mafia state into a mafia empire.

This government will call out Putin’s imperialism for what it is. pic.twitter.com/P2EJLXxdJm

— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) September 25, 2024

His remarks came as the Ukraine-Russia conflict remains unresolved, despite more than two years of intense fighting. While Ukraine has achieved some success in Russia’s Kursk region, Russian forces continue to make advances in eastern Ukraine, with two strategic cities nearing capture.

Lammy, a Black man, drew parallels between Russia’s expansionist goals and the slave-owning mentality of the past, invoking his ancestors who were enslaved. He called Russia’s actions a form of modern imperialism and vowed to “call it out for what it is.”

Russia, which denies Ukraine’s sovereignty, seeks to control large parts of eastern Ukraine, with around 80% already under its control. Despite being a UNSC member, Lammy accused Russia of “tearing up the UN Charter” through its aggressive actions.

India Will Get a Permanent Seat in The UNSC: What Jaishanker Said?

May 5, 2024, 7:14 pm

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s aspirations for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), expressing confidence that the country would achieve this goal more swiftly under a strong prime minister. Speaking at an interactive session in Cuttack, Odisha, Jaishankar emphasized the importance of having a leader whom the world cannot refuse.

Jaishankar highlighted the challenges India faces and the necessity of trusting a capable leader to navigate through them. He underscored that India’s inclusion as a permanent UNSC member is inevitable, given its growing global influence and support from international partners.

India’s quest for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council has gained momentum over the years, backed by strong advocacy and backing from various nations, including the United States. The UNSC is composed of 15 member states, including five permanent members with veto power and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has also pledged to pursue permanent UNSC membership for India in its election manifesto. The BJP’s manifesto, titled ‘Sankalp Patra’, vows to elevate India’s position in global decision-making by seeking permanent UNSC membership.

Earlier remarks by Jaishankar in Nagpur highlighted the growing global consensus in support of India’s permanent UNSC membership. He acknowledged that such achievements are not easily granted and require proactive efforts to seize opportunities.

India’s pursuit of a permanent seat at the UNSC reflects its ambition to play a more significant role in shaping global affairs and advocating for the interests of the developing world on the international stage.

Iran asserts right to self-defense in Embassy statement

April 19, 2024, 9:52 am

In a recent press statement released by the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in India, the country emphasized its inherent right to self-defense following what it described as “heinous military aggression” by the Zionist regime.

The statement, issued on April 18, 2024, highlighted Iran’s commitment to the United Nations Charter and international law. It referenced an incident on April 1, 2024, where Iran alleges that the Zionist regime conducted a military attack against Iranian diplomatic premises in Damascus, Syria.

Embassy of Iran in India issues press statement on the exercise by Iran – “Iran, as a responsible member of the United Nations, emphasizing its commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the rule of law, in response to the Zionist regime’s… pic.twitter.com/CsDoeC72yW

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024

Iran invoked Article 51 of the UN Charter, which allows for self-defense, and stated that its response on April 14, 2024, targeted military objectives and army bases without causing harm to civilians. The statement condemned the Zionist regime’s actions as a violation of international law, including the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes Against Internationally Protected Persons.

The statement expressed disappointment in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for not addressing what Iran perceives as a clear violation of international regulations. It reiterated Iran’s commitment to peace and stability in the region while criticizing the “aggressive and genocidal pattern” of the occupying regime.

The press release from the Iranian Embassy in India underscores Iran’s stance on defending its national security and sovereignty while calling for a fair and unbiased approach from international bodies like the UNSC.

Ruchira Kamboj calls for inclusive UN Security Council Reform

April 16, 2024, 12:55 pm

India continues to advocate for fundamental reform of the Security Council, calling for an inclusive framework that appropriately reflects the today’s diverse world. Ruchira Kamboj, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, emphasized the necessity of expanding both permanent and non-permanent membership to achieve genuine reform. She highlighted India’s stance, supported by a majority of member states as reflected in the 2015 framework document, which showed overwhelming support for expanding both membership categories specified in the UN Charter.

In her words ” India is in favour of expansion of UN Security Council membership in both the permanent and non permanent categories, as we believe that this is the only way to achieve genuine reform of the Security Council and make it legitimate, representative, responsive and effective.”

She emphasized the need for a Security Council that mirrors the geographical and developmental diversity of the UN, giving voice to developing countries and regions like Africa, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific. She dismissed the notion that expanding permanent seats would be undemocratic, stressing that the majority’s call for such reform should not be overshadowed by minority opinions. She also called for text-based negotiations within the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) framework to ensure a fair and effective process towards reform.

She continued to say “In a nutshell, we need a reformed Security Council that better reflects the geographical and developmental diversity of the United Nations today. A security council where the voices of developing countries and unrepresented regions, including Africa, Latin America and the vast majority of Asia and the Pacific, also find their due place at the horseshoe table. And for this, an expansion of the council in both categories of membership is absolutely essential,”

India’s pursuit of a permanent seat aligns with its longstanding goal to represent developing nations‘ interests more effectively. This effort has gained momentum with backing from figures like Dennis Francis, who acknowledges India’s potential to positively contribute to global peace and security. India, as part of the G4 nations, continues to advocate for UNSC reform and seeks stronger representation in line with contemporary global realities.

India Raises Concerns Over ‘Veto’ Blocking Terrorist Listings at UNSC, Citing Doublespeak

March 12, 2024, 12:14 pm

India has strongly condemned countries that use their veto powers to block evidence-based terrorist listings at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), calling the practice “uncalled for” and indicative of “doublespeak” regarding the council’s commitment to tackling terrorism.

“Let us turn to the subsidiary bodies inhabiting a subterranean world with their own custom-made working methods and obscure practices which do not find any legal basis in the charter or any of the council’s resolutions. For instance, while we do get to know of the decisions of these committees on listing, the decisions on rejecting listing requests are not made public,” India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ruchira Kamboj, said at a UNSC session.

“This is a disguised veto, but an even more impervious one that indeed merits a discussion amongst the wider membership. For genuine evidence-based listing proposals for globally sanctioned terrorists to be blocked without giving any due justification is uncalled for and smacks of doublespeak when it comes to the council’s commitment in tackling the challenge of terrorism,” she added.

Kamboj’s remarks appeared to be a veiled criticism of China, which had previously blocked a proposal to designate Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist Sajid Mir as a global terrorist. She emphasized the need for transparency in the selection of chairs of subsidiary bodies and decision-making power, advocating for an open process based on exhaustive consultations.

“As one of the largest troop-contributing countries, my delegation would like to reiterate that the concerns of the troop and police contributing countries should be taken into consideration for better implementation of peacekeeping mandates. There is a need to review the agenda of the council and remove obsolete and irrelevant items from the agenda of the Security Council,” Kamboj added.

India also reiterated its call for UNSC reforms, urging countries that block the revision of giving permanent seats at the forum to contribute to making the council fit for the 21st century.

“As the threats to international peace and security evolve, Mr. President, so must this council. We ask those blocking progress on this vital issue to heed calls for genuine reform and contribute to making this council truly fit for purpose for the 21st century. Thank you,” Kamboj said.

“It is also imperative to note that working methods do not stand in isolation as they have an organic linkage to other clusters, including on the relationship with the General Assembly and discussions on the veto. Therefore, unless we address the issue in its entirety, a piecemeal approach would fail to offer a holistic solution,” she said.

“On the council’s engagement with the wider membership and as mandated by Article 24 of the UN Charter, one of the meaningful ways of doing this would be through a discussion on the report of the Security Council in the General Assembly. However, despite long-standing demands for analytical reportage, these remain just factual markers indicating the number of times the council has met or the total debates that have been conducted,” she added.

Israel bans Lashkar-e-Taiba and says “Organisation responsible for murder of Indians”

November 21, 2023, 2:14 pm

In the midst of marking 15 years since the Mumbai terror attacks, Israel declared on Tuesday that it would outlaw Lashkar-e-Taiba as a terrorist group, branding it as a “deadly” and “reprehensible” organization. The Indian government did not request this action to be taken. The Israel Embassy in India released a press release stating that the state of Israel has officially finished all required processes and satisfied all checks and regulations as a result of adding Lashkar-e-Taiba to the Israeli list of illegal terror organizations.

Highlighting that Israel only lists terror organisations that are actively operating against it form within or around its borders, or in a similar manner to India – those globally recognised by UNSC or the US state department, said, “Israel ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs have jointly worked in last few months towards an expedited and extraordinary listing of the Lashkar -e- Taiba organization on this date, to highlight the importance of a Unified Global Front in combating terrorism.”
The release affirmed that the terror organisation is responsible for murder of hundreds of indian civilians as well as others.

It stated: “Hundreds of Indian civilians have been killed by Lashkar-e-Taiba, a lethal and abhorrent terror group, among others. All nations and societies that strive for peace are still affected by its horrible deeds on November 26, 2008.”

‘Kasab smiled sarcastically, madam you recognised me’

December 20, 2022, 1:44 pm

At the United Nations Security Council, nurse Anjali Vijay Kulthe, a victim of the 26/11 terror attacks, narrated her ordeal, saying that she saved 20 pregnant women in the advanced stages of pregnancy and kept them safe for about three hours. “I am the fortunate one who survived the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. I bring to the UNSC’s notice the voice of trauma and sorrow endured by families of victims and survivors of terror attacks,” said Kulthe, a nursing officer at Cama and Albless Hospital. Anjali played a heroic role in saving the lives of several patients as the terror attacks perpetrated by Pakistani terrorists unfolded in Mumbai at the Cama and Albless Government Hospital.

“On 26 November 2008, I had the night shift in the antenatal care unit from 8 p.m. 20 pregnant women were under my charge that night. An hour later, we were informed that the city’s main railway station, around a mile away from the hospital, had been stormed by terrorists. Our senior officials called and asked us to prepare for an emergency. While we began preparing, we heard gunshots being fired at around 10:30 p.m. from behind the hospital. My helpers and I quickly moved to the window of my wards. We noticed two persons with guns entering the hospital after jumping over the walls. One of them fired at our window, and we closely escaped the bullet that hit a helper’s thumb,” narrated Kulthe.

On the fatal day of 26 November, she was on night duty in the antenatal ward at Cama and Albless Hospital for Women and Children. While she was on duty, she noticed from the window that hospital guards were lying in a pool of blood. She immediately locked the doors of her ward and moved all the pregnant women into a small pantry space in the ward. She risked her own life to protect 20 pregnant women. “I informed the Chief Medical Officer of the hospital that terrorists have entered our hospital and are firing. As I rushed to the first floor of the ward, I saw the same two terrorists shooting the two security guards of the hospital. Both of them fell on the floor with their bodies heavily bleeding, I was extremely scared, but I gathered courage and rushed to the first floor. I closed the main iron door and shifted all the patients to the pantry with the help of another staff. I locked the door and switched off the lights so that the shooter could not see the patients. At all cost, I wanted to protect my patients,” added Kulthe.

Speaking about Ajmal Kasab, the sole terrorist who was captured alive and was hanged on 21 November 2012, she said, “Kasab smiled sarcastically, madam you recognised me”, adding that Kasab had, ‘no remorse, no shame’. Reminds victims of 26/11 wait for justice. Many foreign delegates lauded Kulthe’s efforts to save the victims of the terror attack. UAE minister at UNSC called nurse Anjali Vijay Kulthe, the victim of 26/11 terror’s testimony as “moving.” US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Victoria Nuland also mentioned her, while British Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Lord Tariq Ahmad lauded Nurse Anjali Vijay Kulthe for her bravery during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack.

S Jaishankar announces India’s candidature for UNSC membership

December 16, 2022, 11:11 am

The candidature of India has been announced by the External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar for non-permanent membership at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2028-29 term on Thursday.

“I am glad to inform you. We have declared our candidature for our next tenure at Security Council for 2028-29. And we look forward to being back”, announces EAM Jaishankar.

Talking to the media S Jaishankar announced India’s current membership at the security council is the last month.

“And during this eighth inning of ours, we have attempted to bring many themes of contemporary relevance like maritime security, technology in UN peacekeeping, reforms of the UN, and counterterrorism to the center of the agenda and of the debate in the UN,” Jaishankar said.

Meanwhile, on many issues, India has raised its voice in the Global South on many issues of concern.

“We have not only tried to articulate their interest and anxieties but also tried to see whether we can serve as a bridge in the council,” Jaishankar stated.

Moreover, in December India assumed the monthly rotating Presidency of the UNSC. India got the Presidency for the second time after holding the top spot in August last year.

Earlier on 14-15 December, two high-level signature events took place at the UN Security Council. On ‘Reformed Multilateralism and Counter-Terrorism’ the meeting was held by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

However, the debate on the theme was held on 14 December on the theme – “Maintenance of International Peace and Security: New Orientation for Reformed Multilateralism.” On 15 December a high-level briefing was held on the theme “Threats to International Peace and Security Caused by Terrorist Acts: Global Approach to Counter Terrorism – Challenges and Way Forward.”

Explosion reported in Balkh province, 5 killed

December 6, 2022, 11:33 am

An explosion has been reported in Afghanistan’s Balkh province on Tuesday in which five people died.

The incident took place at the Seyed Abad intersection in the third district of Mazar-Sharif city. According to the sources, security forces have reached the place.

Police spokesman for northern Balkh province said, “Today around 7 a.m. a blast took place in…Balkh on a bus, which belonged to Hairatan Oil employees.”

Meanwhile, more details on the matter are awaited.

Earlier last week an attack took place on a religious school in Afghanistan in which 20 students were killed and wounding dozens of others.

Moreover, the attack was condemned by the UN Security Council (UNSC) which said, “The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the heinous terrorist attack on innocent students and children at the religious school in Aybak, in the Samangan province, on 30 November.”

“The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims, and they wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured,” the UNSC said.

However, the statement also reads that 15-member Security Council underscored the need to hold the perpetrators of the attacks accountable.

UNSC condemns attack on Pakistan embassy in Afghanistan

December 3, 2022, 4:35 pm

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) condemned the terrorist attack on the Pakistan embassy in the capital city of Afghanistan.

“The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack on the Embassy of Pakistan in Kabul, Afghanistan, on 2 December 2022, where the Head of Mission came under attack and his security guard was critically injured,” the UNSC said in a statement.

They urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with all relevant authorities.
On Friday, the compound of the Embassy of Pakistan in Kabul came under attack, targeting the Head of Mission, Ubaid-ur-Rehman Nizamani.

“However, a Pakistani security guard Sepoy Israr Mohammad has been critically injured in the attack while protecting the Head of Mission,” the Pakistan Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

‘We are to complete the process of justice’, says Jaishankar

November 26, 2022, 4:59 pm

In the 2008 Mumbai Terror Attack, several countries’ citizens lost their lives and India is working with several countries whose citizens died in Mumbai 26/11 attack said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

Talking about that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the real perpetrators of the terror attack will be punished and will make sure that does not escape.

“It’s an occasion where the entire country remembers it. I want to underline how strongly we feel about it and determined we are to complete the process of justice,” Jaishankar said.

“Today is the anniversary of the 26/11 terror attack in Mumbai. Even after so many years, the people who planned and oversaw it have not been punished. They have not been brought to justice. This is something which we give utmost importance to,” the External Affairs Minister said.

In the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, many people lost their lives. At least 174 people and 300 people were wounded. In the attack, people died including 20 security force personnel and 26 foreign nationals.

Earlier in October two-day anti-terrorism meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), was hosted by India under India’s chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC).

Meanwhile, Delhi Declaration was issued after the meeting which underlined that all Member States must cooperate fully in the fight against terrorism.

Moreover, for international peace and security, the Declaration said all forms of terrorism are one of the most serious threats.

However, despite the UNSC’s best efforts to combat the “gravest threat to humanity” in Asia and Africa the global threat of terrorism is growing and expanding.

India to host UNSC counterterrorism meeting to focus on threat from abuse of modern technologies

October 26, 2022, 8:56 pm

On October 28 and 29, the UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee will hold a meeting with the general theme of “Confronting the exploitation of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes” in Mumbai and Delhi.

Ruchira Kamboj, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN and Chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee, stated during a joint media briefing held here that misuse of emerging technologies was a matter of growing concern and that terrorism remained one of the most serious threats to global peace and security. Although member states have achieved noticeable progress over the previous 20 years in combating terrorism and violent extremism supportive of terrorism, she claimed that the threat still exists and “despite our best efforts has evolved.”

“Terrorism remains one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. With the growing prevalence of technology and the rapid rise in digitisation, addressing the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes has become an issue of increasing concern,” she said.

“Mindful of addressing this issue whilst also recognising the potential of technologies to increase the effectiveness of counterterrorism efforts, the Committee has come together in India to hold its special meeting countering the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes.”

She said the main focus will be on the growing danger of three important technologies—the internet, including social media; new payment and fundraising tools; and unmanned aerial systems, including drones—being used for terrorist purposes.

The meeting would start with a homage to terrorism victims, according to Sanjay Verma, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs.

“UNSC Counter-Terrorism Committee will be hosted in Mumbai and Delhi on October 28 and 29 respectively. The overarching theme would be “Countering the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes. It will begin with a tribute to victims of terrorism,” he said.

David Scharia, UN branch chief Executive Directorate of the Counter-Terrorism Committee, spoke at the press conference as well.

The Counter-Terrorism Committee of the Security Council is currently chaired by India.

India condemns North Korea’s missile launch at UNSC

October 6, 2022, 3:33 pm

India has strongly condemned North Korea’s ballistic missile launch over Japan. The official statement said that these moves affect the peace and security of the region and beyond.

The condemnation was made by India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj. While addressing the United Nations Security Council, she called for the full implementation of the relevant UNSC resolutions relating to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea(DPRK).

North Korea on Tuesday conducted its longest-ever weapons test, launching a nuclear-capable ballistic missile that flew over Japan. After the launch, Tokyo urged residents to evacuate to shelters.

“India would also like to reiterate the importance of addressing the proliferation of nuclear and missile technologies related to the DPRK in our region. These linkages have an adverse impact on peace and security in the region, including India. We, hence, reiterate our continued support for denuclearisation towards peace and security in the Korean peninsula, “Kamboj said.

She also talked about the problems faced by the global south.

It is, therefore, important to continue to make all efforts to maintain peace and security.
“Ensuring peace and security in the Korean Peninsula is in our collective interest going forward. “We will continue to support dialogue and diplomacy as a means to resolve the issue in the Korean Peninsula,” India’s envoy added.

The US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, also condemned the incident.

The White House said that both US President Joe Biden and Japanese Premier Fumio Kishida have confirmed that they would continue to closely coordinate their immediate and longer-term responses bilaterally, trilaterally with the Republic of Korea, and with the international community.

“They confirmed they would continue to closely coordinate their immediate and longer-term responses bilaterally, trilaterally with the Republic of Korea, and with the international community. “The leaders discussed the importance of immediate return and resolution of the cases of Japanese citizens abducted by the DPRK and resolved to continue every effort to limit the DPRK’s ability to support its unlawful ballistic missile and weapons of mass destruction programs,” said the statement.

North Korea has been firing missiles since last week in an apparent protest against joint naval drills involving the United States and South Korea. Under the Kim Jong-un regime, North Korea this year has tested a record number of missiles as it expands its weapons arsenal.