India And UN Discuss Peacekeeping Operations, Climate Change And Sustainable Development Goals

India and the United Nations on Thursday held discussions on strengthening cooperation in peacekeeping operations, climate change, disaster risk reduction and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The talks also covered reform of the UN and ways to manage the transformational impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The discussions took place during a meeting between Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (West) Sibi George and UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J Mohammed in New Delhi.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the meeting covered a wide range of areas related to India-UN cooperation and collaboration. The discussions included peacekeeping operations, climate action, disaster preparedness and UN reform, alongside the global development agenda. The meeting comes during Mohammed's three-day official visit to India, which began on Wednesday.

Ahead of her visit, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric had said Mohammed would meet senior Indian government officials to discuss cooperation between India and the UN and India's engagement in advancing sustainable development goals. During her visit, she is also scheduled to interact with students at the Indian Institute of Technology on the opportunities and challenges involved in using digital innovation to support the SDGs.

Also Read: Pramod Sawant Stresses Heritage Conservation Amid Goa's Urbanisation

The discussions also come against the backdrop of India's broader engagement with the UN on reforming multilateral institutions and strengthening the role of developing countries. On August 4, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar interacted with permanent representatives of the UN from 17 countries who were visiting India on a study tour. Their discussions covered technology, maritime safety, peacekeeping, development partnerships and disaster response.

India has also begun its campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2028-29 term. Jaishankar launched the campaign in New York in July, outlining India's vision for a more representative and effective global order. He has emphasised the need for greater representation of the Global South and for multilateral institutions to respond to contemporary challenges.

India's engagement with the UN has increasingly focused on areas including peacekeeping, sustainable development, technology and disaster response. The latest discussions with the UN leadership bring several of these priorities together, including the opportunities and challenges presented by AI. They also underline New Delhi's continued emphasis on strengthening multilateral cooperation and ensuring that the concerns of developing countries receive greater attention in global decision-making.

Also Read: India Outlines BRICS Role In Tackling Climate Change