The Role and Influence of India in the United Nations

Himangshu Ranjan Bhuyan (hrbhuyancolumnist@gmail.com)

Since the establishment of the United Nations, India has held a significant position as a key member of this international organisation. In 1945, when the UN Charter was signed, India was still under British rule, yet Indian representatives actively participated in the organisation’s founding process. After gaining independence in 1947, India emerged as a powerful force on the UN platform through its independent perspective and moral stance. India’s role is not limited to political or diplomatic spheres but extends to areas such as global peace, security, economic development, environmental protection, and human rights. The Non-Aligned Movement, a cornerstone of India’s foreign policy, has established India as an independent and neutral voice within the UN.

India’s participation has been highly significant since the UN’s inception. In October 1945, during the signing of the UN Charter, Indian representatives, despite being under British rule, played a crucial role in shaping the organisation’s core principles and objectives. At that time, India’s independence movement was at its peak, and the vision of Indian leaders, particularly Jawaharlal Nehru, for global peace and cooperation aligned closely with the UN’s ideals. After independence, India adopted the Non-Aligned Movement as the foundation of its foreign policy, positioning itself as a neutral voice between Western and Eastern powers during the Cold War. This policy allowed India to express independent opinions on global issues. For instance, India took a strong stance against colonialism and actively supported independence movements in Africa and Asia on the UN platform. Its protests against apartheid in South Africa and its sensitive approach to the Palestine issue highlighted India’s moral stance. In the 1950s, under Nehru’s leadership, India was a founding partner of the Non-Aligned Movement, which fostered unity among developing nations and advocated for their interests in the UN. These efforts established India as an influential member of the UN, enhancing its diplomatic influence worldwide.

India’s contributions to UN peacekeeping missions are globally recognized. India’s involvement in peacekeeping began with the Korean War in the 1950s, where it provided military and medical assistance. Since then, Indian peacekeepers have played significant roles in conflict zones such as Congo, Sudan, South Sudan, Liberia, Haiti, and many others. By 2025, India had participated in over 50 peacekeeping missions and deployed more than 2,50,000 troops, making it one of the largest contributors globally. Indian peacekeepers are praised for their training, professionalism, and humanitarian approach. For example, in South Sudan, Indian troops have not only helped manage conflicts but also engaged in healthcare camps, educational programs, and rehabilitation efforts for local communities. The contributions of Indian women peacekeepers are particularly noteworthy, especially in Liberia, where India’s all-women police unit played a vital role in ensuring security and empowering local women. These efforts have elevated the standards of UN peacekeeping operations while strengthening India’s humanitarian image globally. Moreover, Indian peacekeepers often operate in complex and dangerous environments, building relationships with local communities and contributing to peacebuilding efforts. These activities have deepened India’s influence within the UN and demonstrated its commitment to global peace.

India’s role in the UN Security Council and its claim to a permanent seat are highly significant in this context. India has been elected as a non-permanent member of the Security Council eight times, most recently in 2021–22. During this tenure, India provided active leadership on issues such as terrorism, climate change, cybersecurity, and maritime security. In 2021, while presiding over the Security Council, India organized a historic discussion on maritime security, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi participating personally. This event showcased India’s diplomatic capabilities and its ability to lead on critical global issues. India’s claim to a permanent seat on the Security Council is robust, as it is the world’s most populous nation, a rapidly growing economy, and a symbol of democratic values. India has consistently advocated for Security Council reforms to make the body more representative and aligned with contemporary geopolitical realities. Supported by the G4 nations (India, Germany, Japan, and Brazil) and organizations like the African Union, India’s bid for a permanent seat is strong, although opposition from countries like China has hindered the reform process. Nevertheless, as a non-permanent member, India has actively addressed complex global issues, enhancing its influence. For instance, India’s proposals against terrorism have helped build global consensus on combating this issue. These efforts underscore India’s leadership potential and strengthen its case for a permanent seat.

India has consistently championed the interests of developing nations and has been a key advocate for South-South cooperation. India’s role in achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is crucial. Within its borders, India has taken significant steps to reduce poverty, expand education, improve healthcare, and protect the environment. Programs like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, and Ayushman Bharat align with the SDGs. Simultaneously, India has supported other developing nations through initiatives like the India-UN Development Partnership Fund, which has funded over 150 projects in nearly 70 countries in Africa and Asia, focusing on education, health, and environmental initiatives. As a member of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), India has led efforts on issues like poverty reduction, women’s empowerment, and children’s rights. These contributions have enhanced India’s influence among developing nations and strengthened its position within the UN. Additionally, through cooperation with organizations like the World Trade Organization and the International Monetary Fund, India has advocated for the economic interests of developing countries, bolstering the UN’s economic agenda.

India’s role and influence in addressing climate change are also highly significant. As a signatory to the Paris Climate Agreement, India has committed to reducing carbon emissions and achieving net-zero emissions by 2030. The establishment of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), led by India, aims to mitigate climate change through solar energy adoption. With over 120 member countries, the ISA has provided new momentum to the global expansion of renewable energy. At UN climate conferences (COP), India has consistently demanded financial and technological support for developing nations. For instance, at COP28 in 2023, India emphasized the need for developed nations to fulfil their climate finance commitments. Domestically, India’s efforts to expand solar, wind, and bioenergy have set a model for sustainable development. The National Solar Mission achieved significant progress toward its 100-gigawatt solar energy target by 2022. These initiatives have established India as a responsible nation working alongside the global community to combat climate change.

In the UN Human Rights Council, India has been an active member, contributing significantly to the protection and promotion of human rights. India has worked actively on issues like women’s empowerment, children’s rights, and social justice on the UN platform. For example, India’s Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign has earned international praise for promoting women’s education and empowerment. However, India has faced criticism in the Human Rights Council regarding certain domestic policies, such as the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. In response, India has emphasized its democratic processes, independent judiciary, and rule of law. Additionally, India has advocated for the economic and social rights of developing nations in the Human Rights Council. This dual role—promoting human rights while addressing domestic criticisms—reflects the complexity of India’s diplomatic strategy.

India’s contributions to various UN specialized agencies, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and International Labour Organization (ILO), are highly significant. During the COVID-19 pandemic, India supplied vaccines like Covishield and Covaxin to over 100 countries through its Vaccine Maitri initiative, strengthening its humanitarian image among developing nations. In collaboration with WHO, India has led efforts in global health, particularly in providing affordable medicines and vaccines. Its partnership with FAO has contributed to agricultural development and food security, sharing the experiences of India’s Green Revolution with African nations. India’s work with the ILO has advanced workers’ rights and social justice. These efforts reflect India’s cooperative approach to global challenges.

In conclusion, India’s role and influence in the United Nations are profound and far-reaching. From peacekeeping missions to Security Council reforms, economic development, climate change, and human rights, India has demonstrated its leadership capabilities. Its non-aligned policy, democratic values, and humanitarian approach have solidified its position within the UN. The prospect of securing a permanent seat on the Security Council will further enhance India’s influence. India’s constructive role on the UN platform paves the way for a brighter future in global peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.