India has shared a deep-rooted association with the United Nations since its inception. Remarkably, even before gaining full independence, India signed the Declaration by United Nations in 1944 and actively participated in the San Francisco Conference in 1945, which laid the foundation for the UN Charter. As one of the founding members, India has consistently aligned itself with the purposes and principles of the United Nations, contributing significantly to its vision of global peace, cooperation, and development.
India-UN Partnership: Key Agencies and Their Role in India
Today, 26 UN agencies operate in India, making it one of the largest UN presences globally. These agencies contribute to India’s growth across multiple domains:
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
- Began India operations in 1948.
- Focus: Transforming agriculture, rural development, sustainable practices, and food security.
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
- Promotes smallholder farming and rural commercialization.
- Supports women’s financial empowerment through SHG-bank linkages.
UNAIDS
- India collaborates to prevent HIV, provide care, and reduce stigma.
- Between 2001–2012, HIV cases fell by 50%, one of the world’s best declines.
Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT)
- Established in 1977 by UNESCAP.
- Works in tech transfer and innovation management across Asia-Pacific.
UNESCO
- India has been part of the Executive Board since 1946.
- Hosts the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP) in New Delhi.
- Numerous Indian sites are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
World Health Organization (WHO)
- Collaborates with India on disease control, health system strengthening.
- Helped eradicate cholera, control TB and malaria.
Other Agencies
- UNICEF, UNDP, WFP, UN Women, UNFPA, and others continue to play key roles in development, gender empowerment, nutrition, disaster risk reduction, and child rights.
India’s Contributions to the UN
India has been a proactive and principled contributor to the United Nations.
Key Contributions:
- 1946: First country to raise apartheid and racism in South Africa at the UN.
- 1948: Hansa Mehta’s crucial role in framing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
- 1953: Vijayalakshmi Pandit becomes the first woman President of the UNGA.
- UN Peacekeeping: India is one of the largest troop contributors. It has participated in missions across Korea, Congo, South Sudan, Lebanon, Liberia, Haiti, and more.
- Non-Violence and Peace: UN designated 2nd October as International Day of Non-Violence in honour of Mahatma Gandhi.
- Yoga Diplomacy: In 2014, UN declared 21st June as International Yoga Day following India’s proposal.
Challenges Faced by the United Nations
Despite its noble objectives, the UN faces a range of evolving challenges:
1. Geopolitical Rivalries and Inaction
- Rival powers support proxy conflicts.
- UNSC’s structure often leads to inaction due to veto powers.
2. Military Interventions and Regime Changes
- Actions in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan failed to bring peace.
- Generated global mistrust in intervention motives.
3. Refugee Crisis and Forced Displacement
- Short-term border controls worsen crises for host nations.
- Western nations often externalize the burden.
4. Humanitarian Struggles
- Despite efforts by UN agencies, aid is underfunded and response coordination is weak.
UNSC Reforms and the G4 Demands
- India, along with Germany, Japan, and Brazil (G4 nations), calls for reforms in the Security Council.
- Aim: Broader representation, greater voice for developing nations.
- Demand for more localization, reduced bureaucracy, and regional decision-making power.
Path Ahead: Strengthening the UN for Future Challenges
The UN must evolve to face modern global crises:
A) Use of SDGs as a Guiding Vision
- SDGs offer a globally accepted roadmap.
- Address root causes through peace, justice, and strong institutions.
B) Strengthen Peacebuilding Tools
- Focus on prevention and inclusive dialogues.
- Engage youth, women, civil society, and local leaders.
C) Empowering Local Institutions
- Support grassroots peace builders rather than corrupt elites.
- Avoid reinforcing undemocratic regimes.
D) Inclusive Governance and Representation
- Ensure that countries with greater humanitarian burdens get more say in UN operations.
- Reforms must be people-centric, not merely procedural.
Conclusion
India’s journey with the United Nations has been one of deep commitment and visionary leadership. From fighting apartheid to championing peacekeeping, education, health, and yoga, India has emerged as a responsible global partner. As the UN confronts new-age challenges, India continues to advocate for inclusive reforms, sustainable development, and global harmony.
A more democratic and empowered UN will not only serve humanity better but also honour the foundational spirit with which it was born.
