India Reaffirms Commitment to Global Peacebuilding at UN General Assembly

Colonel Ashish Bhalla emphasized India's pivotal role in peacekeeping and peacebuilding at the United Nations General Assembly. Highlighting India's development partnerships and substantial investments, Bhalla outlined the need for a collaborative, forward-thinking approach to contemporary peacebuilding challenges.

India continues to play a fundamental role in both peacekeeping and peacebuilding, said military advisor Colonel Ashish Bhalla on Wednesday at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. In his statement at the Joint Debate on the 'Report of the Peacebuilding Commission,' Bhalla highlighted India's extensive development partnerships with countries in the Global South.

Bhalla pointed out the cumulative value of India's development projects, which now exceed USD 40 billion, including soft loans, grants, and capacity-building training programs. He praised the 2023 Peacebuilding Commission report for its forward-looking agenda, which addresses contemporary peacebuilding challenges. The report emphasizes regional maritime security, transnational organized crime, and terrorism.

Bhalla commended the Peacebuilding Commission's efforts in supporting regional peace initiatives, such as the Great Lakes region-led Luanda process and the East Africa community-led Nairobi process. He also acknowledged the importance of inclusive security sector reforms and the participation of women in decision-making processes. Bhalla concluded by reinforcing India's sustained commitment to peacebuilding and its readiness for future collaborations.

(With inputs from agencies.)