In a first, the IBSA grouping - India, Brazil and South Africa issued a joint statement calling for "accelerated and comprehensive reforms" of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The joint statement was issued after virtual IBSA foreign ministers meet.

The statement said: "expressing frustration with the slow pace of progress on Security Council reforms in the Inter-Governmental Negotiations process which lacks transparency in its working methods." &nbsp;

"We insist that the time has come to move towards a result-oriented process with provision for substantive negotiations based on a single comprehensive text in a formal setting," it added.

It must be remembered that 10 years after inter-governmental negotiations began, the negotiations remain in the informal stage. Intergovernmental Negotiations framework is a group within the United Nations that is looking into UNSC reforms but its conversation is considered "informal" in nature and United Nations General Assembly UNGA rule of procedure doesn't apply.&nbsp;

The statement said, "failure to reform the Security Council has serious implications for international peace and security", calling for, "significant and accelerated reform" which "is critical to ensure that this organ is more representative, effective and responsive, and remains capable of delivering on the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter."

The statement also extended support for Africa at the high table. It said, "Africa must be equitably represented in a reformed Security Council, we reiterate our support for the representation of Africa in the Council in both the permanent and non-permanent categories and express our unequivocal support for the Common African Position, as stated in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration."

Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte declaration called for at least 2 permanent and 5 to 2 non-permanent UNSC seats to be given to African countries at UNSC.

India was represented by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, South African FM Grace Naledi Mandisa Pandor and Brazilian FM Ambassador Fabio Marzano. During the virtual meet, ministers discussed issues like terror, climate change, sustainable development, South-South Cooperation and on-going COVID-19 situation.

In a first, the IBSA grouping - India, Brazil and South Africa issued a joint statement calling for "accelerated and comprehensive reforms" of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

In a first, the IBSA grouping - India, Brazil and South Africa issued a joint statement calling for "accelerated and comprehensive reforms" of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The joint statement was issued after virtual IBSA foreign ministers meet. The statement said: "expressing frustration with the slow pace of progress on Security Council reforms in the Inter-Governmental Negotiations process which lacks transparency in its working methods." "We insist that the time has come to move towards a result-oriented process with provision for substantive negotiations based on a single comprehensive text in a formal setting," it added. It must be remembered that 10 years after inter-governmental negotiations began, the negotiations remain in the informal stage. Intergovernmental Negotiations framework is a group within the United Nations that is looking into UNSC reforms but its conversation is considered "informal" in nature and United Nations General Assembly UNGA rule of procedure doesn't apply. The statement said, "failure to reform the Security Council has serious implications for international peace and security", calling for, "significant and accelerated reform" which "is critical to ensure that this organ is more representative, effective and responsive, and remains capable of delivering on the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter." The statement also extended support for Africa at the high table. It said, "Africa must be equitably represented in a reformed Security Council, we reiterate our support for the representation of Africa in the Council in both the permanent and non-permanent categories and express our unequivocal support for the Common African Position, as stated in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration." Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte declaration called for at least 2 permanent and 5 to 2 non-permanent UNSC seats to be given to African countries at UNSC. India was represented by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, South African FM Grace Naledi Mandisa Pandor and Brazilian FM Ambassador Fabio Marzano. During the virtual meet, ministers discussed issues like terror, climate change, sustainable development, South-South Cooperation and on-going COVID-19 situation.

India, Brazil, South Africa IBSA grouping issue joint statement calling for 'accelerated & comprehensive' UNSC reforms

8 member nations of the UNSC have urged Myanmar to ensure that the Rohingyas can participate in the general elections. Watch report.

8 UNSC members appeal to Myanmar: Appeal for Rohingya participation in general elections

Slamming Pakistan at United Nations Security Council, India on Thursday highlighted how UN listed cross-border terrorists are impacting child rights.&nbsp;

Speaking at the UN Security Council Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict, India in a statement said, "Terror networks spread their tentacles across borders threatening peace and stability. Children are worst affected as they live with a looming sense of fear and uncertainty and are often deprived of their right to education."

Without taking Pakistan's name directly India called on "member states" to "demonstrate the greater political will to hold the perpetrators of terrorism and their collaborators and sponsors, especially those sanctioned by the Council, to account, to fulfil Council’s child protection obligations."

The number of Pakistani nationals listed on the UN list are among the maximum. These include the likes of Masood Azhar, Hafiz Saeed who are responsible for a number of terror attacks in India.&nbsp;

India's statement urged the United Nations Security Council that "counter-terrorism needs to be translated into action" &amp; "terrorist outfits and individuals proscribed by the Council are directly or indirectly responsible for abusing child rights."

Explaining,"greater recognition and comprehensive action to counter threats to children posed by terrorist groups in different parts of the world."

Slamming Pakistan at United Nations Security Council, India on Thursday highlighted how UN listed cross-border terrorists are impacting child rights. Speaking at the UN Security Council Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict, India in a statement said, "Terror networks spread their tentacles across borders threatening peace and stability.

Slamming Pakistan at United Nations Security Council, India on Thursday highlighted how UN listed cross-border terrorists are impacting child rights. Speaking at the UN Security Council Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict, India in a statement said, "Terror networks spread their tentacles across borders threatening peace and stability. Children are worst affected as they live with a looming sense of fear and uncertainty and are often deprived of their right to education." Without taking Pakistan's name directly India called on "member states" to "demonstrate the greater political will to hold the perpetrators of terrorism and their collaborators and sponsors, especially those sanctioned by the Council, to account, to fulfil Council’s child protection obligations." The number of Pakistani nationals listed on the UN list are among the maximum. These include the likes of Masood Azhar, Hafiz Saeed who are responsible for a number of terror attacks in India. India's statement urged the United Nations Security Council that "counter-terrorism needs to be translated into action" & "terrorist outfits and individuals proscribed by the Council are directly or indirectly responsible for abusing child rights." Explaining,"greater recognition and comprehensive action to counter threats to children posed by terrorist groups in different parts of the world."

UN listed cross-border terrorists impacting child rights: India

India has said that Kashmir should be removed from the United Nations Security Council’s agenda, something Pakistan keeps on raking. 
&nbsp; 
In its statement on the Report of the Security Council for 2019, India hitting out at Pakistan said, a "delegation keeps pushing for discussions on an outdated agenda item in the Council" which for "all matter needs to be removed from the Council’s agenda permanently."

Since the abrogation of special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcation into 2 union territories in August of last year, Pakistan along with China tried to raise the matter 3 times.

The attempts have met with failure with informal closed-door discussions happening with no outcomes and other members of the council reiterating that Kashmir is a bilateral India Pakistan issue. The last time Kashmir was formally raised at UNSC was in 1965, according to UN records.

India in its statement also highlighted how Islamabad has attempted to "rebrand itself as contributing to international peace" but "unfortunately fails to recognize that it is globally known for being the fountainhead of international terror and the hub for terror syndicates."

A UN report earlier this year showed that around 6000-6500 Pakistani terrorists are operating in Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, the statement called on UNSC report should not be just "statistical compilation of events, a bland summary and listing of meetings and outcome documents" and must "highlight and analyze the measures that it has decided upon or taken to maintain international peace and security during the reporting period".

New Delhi pointed out how the report was "short of analysis on the UN peacekeeping operations" and since most peacekeepers are contributed by non-Council members "who put the lives of their troops at risk to serve the cause of international peace" a better partnership between the "Security Council and the Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) is needed"

The India Statement asked Security Council "to prove its credibility and improve its performance" as "performance assessment has become one of the focus areas at the United Nations'.

India has said that Kashmir should be removed from the United Nations Security Council’s agenda, something Pakistan keeps on raking. In its statement on the Report of the Security Council for 2019, India hitting out at Pakistan said, a "delegation keeps pushing for discussions on an outdated agenda item in the Council" which for "all matter needs to be removed from the Council’s agenda permanently.

India has said that Kashmir should be removed from the United Nations Security Council’s agenda, something Pakistan keeps on raking. In its statement on the Report of the Security Council for 2019, India hitting out at Pakistan said, a "delegation keeps pushing for discussions on an outdated agenda item in the Council" which for "all matter needs to be removed from the Council’s agenda permanently." Since the abrogation of special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcation into 2 union territories in August of last year, Pakistan along with China tried to raise the matter 3 times. The attempts have met with failure with informal closed-door discussions happening with no outcomes and other members of the council reiterating that Kashmir is a bilateral India Pakistan issue. The last time Kashmir was formally raised at UNSC was in 1965, according to UN records. India in its statement also highlighted how Islamabad has attempted to "rebrand itself as contributing to international peace" but "unfortunately fails to recognize that it is globally known for being the fountainhead of international terror and the hub for terror syndicates." A UN report earlier this year showed that around 6000-6500 Pakistani terrorists are operating in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, the statement called on UNSC report should not be just "statistical compilation of events, a bland summary and listing of meetings and outcome documents" and must "highlight and analyze the measures that it has decided upon or taken to maintain international peace and security during the reporting period". New Delhi pointed out how the report was "short of analysis on the UN peacekeeping operations" and since most peacekeepers are contributed by non-Council members "who put the lives of their troops at risk to serve the cause of international peace" a better partnership between the "Security Council and the Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) is needed" The India Statement asked Security Council "to prove its credibility and improve its performance" as "performance assessment has become one of the focus areas at the United Nations'.

Remove Kashmir from UNSC agenda permanently, says India

The G4 countries--India, Germany, Japan and Brazil have called out countries who are dragging their feet on United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reforms while slamming China and reiterated backing for Africa at the high table.&nbsp;

The letter was sent by India's deputy permanent representative to UN, Ambassador Nagaraj Naidu to President of the United Nations General assembly (UNGA) Tijjani Muhammad-Bande.

Without taking the name of China, the joint letter by G4 countries said,"after more than a decade towards text-based negotiations, the inter-government&nbsp;negotiations process has become a convenient smokescreen to hide behind for those who do not wish to see any reforms in the security council."

Explaining, "there is a need to ensure that the inter-governmental negotiations (IGN) process is not held hostage, procedurally and substantially, by those who do not wish to bring about reforms in the Security Council" and warning, if this happens then, "those who demand reform will be forced to look for other ways to finally make progress, including potentially outside the&nbsp;"IGN process".

China along with other UNSC members who are opposed to Japanese, German membership as part of UNSC solidarity has been stonewalling talks on expansion of membership.&nbsp;

Intergovernmental Negotiations framework is a group within the United Nations that looks at&nbsp;UNSC reforms but it has made no progress since 2009 when it was formed. The group's conversation is considered "informal" in nature and thus UNGA rule of procedure do not&nbsp;apply. &nbsp;

Also, no attempts have been made to put talks into the consolidated text to begin formal negotiations due to resistance by certain countries opposed to the expansion of UNSC membership. G4 have called for "urgent need for transparency and application of General Assembly's rules of procedure to the intergovernmental negotiations".&nbsp;

The letter by G4 backed Common African position for UNSC expansion as stipulated under Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte declaration. Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte declaration called&nbsp;for at least two&nbsp;permanent and five&nbsp;to two&nbsp;non-permanent UNSC seats to be given to African countries at the high table.

It said, "it is only correct and fair that the growing support expressed for the common African position in the two&nbsp;meetings of the IGN earlier this year are captured" in discussions.

G4 has asked letter to be circulated to all members of UN and called for the continuation of "discussions held in 74th session as soon as possible in the 75th session" of the UNGA.

The G4 countries--India, Germany, Japan and Brazil have called out countries who are dragging their feet on United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reforms while slamming China and reiterated backing for Africa at the high table.

The G4 countries--India, Germany, Japan and Brazil have called out countries who are dragging their feet on United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reforms while slamming China and reiterated backing for Africa at the high table. The letter was sent by India's deputy permanent representative to UN, Ambassador Nagaraj Naidu to President of the United Nations General assembly (UNGA) Tijjani Muhammad-Bande. Without taking the name of China, the joint letter by G4 countries said,"after more than a decade towards text-based negotiations, the inter-government negotiations process has become a convenient smokescreen to hide behind for those who do not wish to see any reforms in the security council." Explaining, "there is a need to ensure that the inter-governmental negotiations (IGN) process is not held hostage, procedurally and substantially, by those who do not wish to bring about reforms in the Security Council" and warning, if this happens then, "those who demand reform will be forced to look for other ways to finally make progress, including potentially outside the "IGN process". China along with other UNSC members who are opposed to Japanese, German membership as part of UNSC solidarity has been stonewalling talks on expansion of membership. Intergovernmental Negotiations framework is a group within the United Nations that looks at UNSC reforms but it has made no progress since 2009 when it was formed. The group's conversation is considered "informal" in nature and thus UNGA rule of procedure do not apply. Also, no attempts have been made to put talks into the consolidated text to begin formal negotiations due to resistance by certain countries opposed to the expansion of UNSC membership. G4 have called for "urgent need for transparency and application of General Assembly's rules of procedure to the intergovernmental negotiations". The letter by G4 backed Common African position for UNSC expansion as stipulated under Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte declaration. Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte declaration called for at least two permanent and five to two non-permanent UNSC seats to be given to African countries at the high table. It said, "it is only correct and fair that the growing support expressed for the common African position in the two meetings of the IGN earlier this year are captured" in discussions. G4 has asked letter to be circulated to all members of UN and called for the continuation of "discussions held in 74th session as soon as possible in the 75th session" of the UNGA.

G4 calls for UNSC reforms, slams China; reiterates backing for Africa at the high table

India along with Japan, Germany and Brazil, part of the G4 countries on Monday called off China and coffee group's bluff on United Nation Security Council (UNSC) reforms as the United Nations decided on next step for reforms at the high table. &nbsp;

The coffee group of Uniting for Consensus (UFC) group, led by Italy has Pakistan, Turkey as its members and aims to counter bids by the G4 countries.

India shot off two letters, one on a standalone basis and another as part of G4 grouping to United Nations General assembly (UNGA) President highlighting 2 aspects--one backing Common African position, and another and more importantly on those who on the pretext of negotiations are stalling reforms--which clearly pointed to China.

The letter by India's deputy permanent representative to UN, Ambassador Nagaraj Naidu to President of the United Nations General assembly (UNGA) Tijjani Muhammad-Bande said, “after more than a decade towards text-based negotiations, the inter govt negotiations process has become a convenient smokescreen to hide behind for those who do not wish to see any reforms in the security council" 
Explaining, "there is a need to ensure that the inter-governmental negotiations (IGN) process is not held hostage, procedurally and substantially, by those who do not wish to bring about reforms in the security council" and warning, if this happens then, "those who demand reform will be forced to look for other ways to finally make progress, including potentially outside the" IGN process.

Intergovernmental Negotiations framework (IGN) is a group within the United Nations that is looking into UNSC reforms but it has made no progress since 2009 when it was formed. The group's conversation is considered "informal" in nature and thus UNGA rule of procedure done apply. &nbsp;

Also, no attempts have been made to put talks into the consolidated text to begin formal negotiations due to resistance by certain countries like China opposed to the expansion of UNSC membership. G4 have also called for "urgent need for transparency and application of general assembly's rules of procedure to the intergovernmental negotiations"&nbsp; 
 
On Africa, the letter said, "it is only correct and fair that the growing support expressed for the common African position in the 2 meetings of the IGN earlier this year are captured" in discussions. 
 
The "Common African position" for UNSC expansion has been stipulated under Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration, both of which call for at least 2 permanent and 5 to 2 non-permanent UNSC seats to be given to African countries at the high table. 
 
What is interesting is, the Chinese mission to the UN was quick to react and questioned the need for reforms in "haste". This when informal negotiations for reforms are underway for the last 10 year, thus bringing out the Bejing's mischief on reforms at UNSC. The Chinese mission in a statement said, "To start text-based negotiation in a haste or to impose a single document is not conducive to building a consensus and promoting unity".&nbsp; 
 
The Italian mission to UN, chair to the coffee group also reacted and in a letter called for "necessary political will and flexibility". Both the Chinese letter and coffee club's letter had no mention of Common African position. 
 
Earlier this year two&nbsp;IGN meetings have happened, but the rest 3 meetings are yet to happen. &nbsp;The developments of Monday will be part of UN record and will be raised by countries calling for reforms during the further negotiation process.

India along with Japan, Germany and Brazil, part of the G4 countries on Monday called off China and coffee group's bluff on United Nation Security Council (UNSC) reforms as the United Nations decided on next step for reforms at the high table.

India along with Japan, Germany and Brazil, part of the G4 countries on Monday called off China and coffee group's bluff on United Nation Security Council (UNSC) reforms as the United Nations decided on next step for reforms at the high table. The coffee group of Uniting for Consensus (UFC) group, led by Italy has Pakistan, Turkey as its members and aims to counter bids by the G4 countries. India shot off two letters, one on a standalone basis and another as part of G4 grouping to United Nations General assembly (UNGA) President highlighting 2 aspects--one backing Common African position, and another and more importantly on those who on the pretext of negotiations are stalling reforms--which clearly pointed to China. The letter by India's deputy permanent representative to UN, Ambassador Nagaraj Naidu to President of the United Nations General assembly (UNGA) Tijjani Muhammad-Bande said, “after more than a decade towards text-based negotiations, the inter govt negotiations process has become a convenient smokescreen to hide behind for those who do not wish to see any reforms in the security council" Explaining, "there is a need to ensure that the inter-governmental negotiations (IGN) process is not held hostage, procedurally and substantially, by those who do not wish to bring about reforms in the security council" and warning, if this happens then, "those who demand reform will be forced to look for other ways to finally make progress, including potentially outside the" IGN process. Intergovernmental Negotiations framework (IGN) is a group within the United Nations that is looking into UNSC reforms but it has made no progress since 2009 when it was formed. The group's conversation is considered "informal" in nature and thus UNGA rule of procedure done apply. Also, no attempts have been made to put talks into the consolidated text to begin formal negotiations due to resistance by certain countries like China opposed to the expansion of UNSC membership. G4 have also called for "urgent need for transparency and application of general assembly's rules of procedure to the intergovernmental negotiations" On Africa, the letter said, "it is only correct and fair that the growing support expressed for the common African position in the 2 meetings of the IGN earlier this year are captured" in discussions. The "Common African position" for UNSC expansion has been stipulated under Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration, both of which call for at least 2 permanent and 5 to 2 non-permanent UNSC seats to be given to African countries at the high table. What is interesting is, the Chinese mission to the UN was quick to react and questioned the need for reforms in "haste". This when informal negotiations for reforms are underway for the last 10 year, thus bringing out the Bejing's mischief on reforms at UNSC. The Chinese mission in a statement said, "To start text-based negotiation in a haste or to impose a single document is not conducive to building a consensus and promoting unity". The Italian mission to UN, chair to the coffee group also reacted and in a letter called for "necessary political will and flexibility". Both the Chinese letter and coffee club's letter had no mention of Common African position. Earlier this year two IGN meetings have happened, but the rest 3 meetings are yet to happen. The developments of Monday will be part of UN record and will be raised by countries calling for reforms during the further negotiation process.

India, G4 call off China's bluff on UNSC reforms

Belarus has been rocked by large-scale protests against President Alexander Lukashenko since the August 9 election,

WION Fineprint: UN Security Council to hold informal meeting on Belarus

India has co-sponsored Indonesian resolution on women peacekeepers that calls for increasing the "deployment of uniformed women to peacekeeping operations".

Indian mission to United Nations in a statement said, "We are proud to co-sponsor the UN Security Council resolution on women in peacekeeping that calls for full, effective and meaningful participation of women in peacekeeping operation".

The statement further said, "in line with the priorities we have set for ourselves during our tenure in the Security Council beginning 2021, India will continue to push for greater involvement of women in all areas".

The resolution has been voted on and the results will be announced at 4 am IST on Saturday or 6.30 pm New York time. The resolution asked UN member states to provide "access to training for uniformed women personnel" and develop a "national database of trained women personnel interested" in deployment.

According to 2019 figures, only 6% of UN peacekeepers are women. In all, of the 86,687 peacekeepers, 5,243 are female.

The resolution explicitly mentions that a "gender-sensitive working environments for women in peacekeeping operations" should be developed and any "threats and violence against them" should be addressed.

It also "requested" the UN Secretary-General to strengthen efforts to "prevent and address sexual harassment" within peacekeeping operations

New Delhi has been sending women peacekeepers almost since the beginning, for instance, as early as 1960 it sent women in the Armed Forces Medical Services to Congo.

In 2007, India was the first country to send an all-women UN Peacekeeping mission to the West African country of Liberia.

Earlier this year, Indian Women peacekeeper Major Suman Gawani won the UN Military Gender Advocate award. She served as a peacekeeper with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.

India is one of the largest troop contributors to the UN Peacekeeping force.

India has co-sponsored Indonesian resolution on women peacekeepers that calls for increasing the "deployment of uniformed women to peacekeeping operations". Indian mission to United Nations in a statement said, "We are proud to co-sponsor the UN Security Council resolution on women in peacekeeping that calls for full, effective and meaningful participation of women in peacekeeping operation".

India has co-sponsored Indonesian resolution on women peacekeepers that calls for increasing the "deployment of uniformed women to peacekeeping operations". Indian mission to United Nations in a statement said, "We are proud to co-sponsor the UN Security Council resolution on women in peacekeeping that calls for full, effective and meaningful participation of women in peacekeeping operation". The statement further said, "in line with the priorities we have set for ourselves during our tenure in the Security Council beginning 2021, India will continue to push for greater involvement of women in all areas". The resolution has been voted on and the results will be announced at 4 am IST on Saturday or 6.30 pm New York time. The resolution asked UN member states to provide "access to training for uniformed women personnel" and develop a "national database of trained women personnel interested" in deployment. According to 2019 figures, only 6% of UN peacekeepers are women. In all, of the 86,687 peacekeepers, 5,243 are female. The resolution explicitly mentions that a "gender-sensitive working environments for women in peacekeeping operations" should be developed and any "threats and violence against them" should be addressed. It also "requested" the UN Secretary-General to strengthen efforts to "prevent and address sexual harassment" within peacekeeping operations New Delhi has been sending women peacekeepers almost since the beginning, for instance, as early as 1960 it sent women in the Armed Forces Medical Services to Congo. In 2007, India was the first country to send an all-women UN Peacekeeping mission to the West African country of Liberia. Earlier this year, Indian Women peacekeeper Major Suman Gawani won the UN Military Gender Advocate award. She served as a peacekeeper with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. India is one of the largest troop contributors to the UN Peacekeeping force.

‘Proud’ India co-sponsors UNSC resolution on women peacekeepers

3 countries pulled up China during an UNSC briefing on counter-terrorism. Beijing was warned against using terrorism as a pretext to jail Uighurs in Xinjiang. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you what happened.

Gravitas: UNSC slams China on Xinjiang

The president of the UN Security Council, Indonesia, has said it was "not in the position to take further action" on a US bid to trigger a return of all UN sanctions on Iran

UNSC Rejects US' demand to restore sanctions on Iran

India called out Pakistan's bluff after Pak's permanent representative to U.N lied about issuing a statement on Kashmir. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Ex-Ambassador to Indonesia has been found guilty for selling the embassy building in Jakarta at a throwaway price. Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you the stories.

Gravitas: Pak envoy caught lying at UNSC

India has put on record with UN, Pakistan saying it made a statement at the United Nations Security Council, which turned out to be a fake claim. A note was sent by Indian mission to the UN headquarters over the development and Pakistani action.

This is not for the first time Pakistan has made a fake claim at the UN, it has made fake statement in the past as well. In 2017, Pakistan's then envoy to UN Maleeha Lodhi made a fake claim at the UN General Assembly by displaying a picture from Gaza claiming it to be from India's Kashmir.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bangladesh-and-tripura-to-be-connected-through-gumti-river-from-september-323214">ALso read:&nbsp;Bangladesh and Tripura to be connected through Gumti river from September</a>

On Monday, Pakistani mission to UN tweeted a statement of Pakistani envoy to UN Munir Akram claiming that it was presented at UNSC. A claim that was fake, given the Security council's session was not open to non-members of the body and Pakistan is not a member of UNSC, and thus cannot&nbsp;make the statement.

The Pakistani Mission to United Nations, in a tweet said, Pakistani envoy to UN Munir Akram made the statement at the open debate of the security council on the report of the secretary-general on the "threats to international peace and security posed by terrorism actions." The statement largely was focused on raking up Kashmir and blaming India for "terror" incidents in the country.&nbsp;

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Indian mission in the UN was quick to point out that no such statement has been delivered. In a tweet it said, "We have seen a statement put out by the Pakistani mission to the UN, claiming that these remarks were made by the Permanent Representative of Pakistan at the UNSC"

The mission asked, "We failed to comprehend where exactly did the permanent representative of Pakistan make his statement since the security council session today was not open to non-members of the security council."

In fact, the German mission to the security council had put out a picture of the meet and Pakistani envoy was absent at the meet. German is a non-permanent member of the UNSC.

India gave a point by point reply to Pakistan's&nbsp;statement, and highlighted how Pakistan is the "biggest sponsor of cross border terrorism against India" and now "masquerade itself as a victim of terrorism by India!"

India has put on record with UN, Pakistan saying it made a statement at the United Nations Security Council, which turned out to be a fake claim. A note was sent by Indian mission to the UN headquarters over the development and Pakistani action.

India has put on record with UN, Pakistan saying it made a statement at the United Nations Security Council, which turned out to be a fake claim. A note was sent by Indian mission to the UN headquarters over the development and Pakistani action. This is not for the first time Pakistan has made a fake claim at the UN, it has made fake statement in the past as well. In 2017, Pakistan's then envoy to UN Maleeha Lodhi made a fake claim at the UN General Assembly by displaying a picture from Gaza claiming it to be from India's Kashmir. ALso read: Bangladesh and Tripura to be connected through Gumti river from September On Monday, Pakistani mission to UN tweeted a statement of Pakistani envoy to UN Munir Akram claiming that it was presented at UNSC. A claim that was fake, given the Security council's session was not open to non-members of the body and Pakistan is not a member of UNSC, and thus cannot make the statement. The Pakistani Mission to United Nations, in a tweet said, Pakistani envoy to UN Munir Akram made the statement at the open debate of the security council on the report of the secretary-general on the "threats to international peace and security posed by terrorism actions." The statement largely was focused on raking up Kashmir and blaming India for "terror" incidents in the country. Also read: Moscow hopes agreement on IGLA missile, New Delhi to manufacture spare parts of Russian equipment Indian mission in the UN was quick to point out that no such statement has been delivered. In a tweet it said, "We have seen a statement put out by the Pakistani mission to the UN, claiming that these remarks were made by the Permanent Representative of Pakistan at the UNSC" The mission asked, "We failed to comprehend where exactly did the permanent representative of Pakistan make his statement since the security council session today was not open to non-members of the security council." In fact, the German mission to the security council had put out a picture of the meet and Pakistani envoy was absent at the meet. German is a non-permanent member of the UNSC. India gave a point by point reply to Pakistan's statement, and highlighted how Pakistan is the "biggest sponsor of cross border terrorism against India" and now "masquerade itself as a victim of terrorism by India!"

India puts on record with UN- Pakistan's fake statement to UNSC

The United Nations on Tuesday&nbsp;blocked a bid by the Trump administration to reimpose international sanctions on Iran due to lack of consensus at the UNSC.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-need-permission-to-initiate-snapback-us-in-tussle-with-france-uk-over-iran-sanctions-322448">Also Read:&nbsp;'Don't need permission to initiate snapback': US in tussle with France, UK over Iran sanctions</a>

Indonesia which is the president of the Council said it was "not in a position to take further action" on the US request after thirteen council members had expressed their opposition on Friday.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/un-security-council-once-again-rejects-us-bid-to-extend-iran-arms-embargo-322342/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said earlier that the US had started a 30-day process to reimpose all international sanctions against Iran as it had allegedly breached the 2015 nuclear deal. The United States said it can trigger the "snapback" process since a 2015 Security Council resolution still enshrines the nuclear deal names after its participant.

After the announcement, US ambassador Kelly Craft said: "Let me just make it really, really clear: the Trump administration has no fear in standing in limited company on this matter," she told the council. "I only regret that other members of this council have lost their way and now find themselves standing in the company of terrorists."

The United States had walked out of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran two years ago. The deal was signed along with other western powers, the US government alleged that the Iran government had failed to comply with the 2015 nuclear deal.

Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad hit out at Pompeo saying it was "lawless bullying leaves US isolated again."

After the announcement by the Council, Iran said the US request, "including all references therein, are null and void, have no legal standing and effect and are thus completely inadmissible."

The United Nations on Tuesday blocked a bid by the Trump administration to reimpose international sanctions on Iran due to lack of consensus at the UNSC. Also Read: 'Don't need permission to initiate snapback': US in tussle with France, UK over Iran sanctions Indonesia which is the president of the Council said it was "not in a position to take further action" on the US request after thirteen council members had expressed their opposition on Friday.

The United Nations on Tuesday blocked a bid by the Trump administration to reimpose international sanctions on Iran due to lack of consensus at the UNSC. Also Read: 'Don't need permission to initiate snapback': US in tussle with France, UK over Iran sanctions Indonesia which is the president of the Council said it was "not in a position to take further action" on the US request after thirteen council members had expressed their opposition on Friday. Watch: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said earlier that the US had started a 30-day process to reimpose all international sanctions against Iran as it had allegedly breached the 2015 nuclear deal. The United States said it can trigger the "snapback" process since a 2015 Security Council resolution still enshrines the nuclear deal names after its participant. After the announcement, US ambassador Kelly Craft said: "Let me just make it really, really clear: the Trump administration has no fear in standing in limited company on this matter," she told the council. "I only regret that other members of this council have lost their way and now find themselves standing in the company of terrorists." The United States had walked out of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran two years ago. The deal was signed along with other western powers, the US government alleged that the Iran government had failed to comply with the 2015 nuclear deal. Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad hit out at Pompeo saying it was "lawless bullying leaves US isolated again." After the announcement by the Council, Iran said the US request, "including all references therein, are null and void, have no legal standing and effect and are thus completely inadmissible."

UN blocks Trump administration's bid to trigger 'snapback' sanctions on Iran

US, UK and Germany cornered China at the United Nations Security Council on the issue Uighur minorities being abused in the restive northwestern province of Xinjiang. The remarks were made at a UN Security Council Briefing on Counterterrorism with all three countries advising Bejing not to use "counterterrorism" as a pretext to silence political dissent.

US permanent representative to the United Nations Ambassador Kelly Craft said," We are deeply concerned by the situation in Xinjiang, where more than one million Uighurs and other Muslims have been detained under the false guise of counterterrorism."

Adding, "Counterterrorism and countering violent extremism should never be used as a pretext to silence political dissent or freedom of expression or to violate religious freedom or repress minority groups."

UK's envoy to UN James Roscoe echoed the sentiments saying, "We remain deeply concerned about systematic, egregious human rights violations against Uighurs &amp; other ethnic minorities."

"Counter-terrorism measures must never serve as a pretext for human rights violations", Germany said at the meeting.

Envoy Günter Sautter explained, "Regarding Xinjiang, the internment of large parts of the population is, in our view, unjustified. In the long run, it is prone not to reduce but rather to increase the risk emanating of terrorist organizations."

Earlier this year, Hong Kong was raised at UNSC's closed-door meet for the first time over the new security law irking Bejing.

US, UK and Germany cornered China at the United Nations Security Council on the issue Uighur minorities being abused in the restive northwestern province of Xinjiang.

US, UK and Germany cornered China at the United Nations Security Council on the issue Uighur minorities being abused in the restive northwestern province of Xinjiang. The remarks were made at a UN Security Council Briefing on Counterterrorism with all three countries advising Bejing not to use "counterterrorism" as a pretext to silence political dissent. US permanent representative to the United Nations Ambassador Kelly Craft said," We are deeply concerned by the situation in Xinjiang, where more than one million Uighurs and other Muslims have been detained under the false guise of counterterrorism." Adding, "Counterterrorism and countering violent extremism should never be used as a pretext to silence political dissent or freedom of expression or to violate religious freedom or repress minority groups." UK's envoy to UN James Roscoe echoed the sentiments saying, "We remain deeply concerned about systematic, egregious human rights violations against Uighurs & other ethnic minorities." "Counter-terrorism measures must never serve as a pretext for human rights violations", Germany said at the meeting. Envoy Günter Sautter explained, "Regarding Xinjiang, the internment of large parts of the population is, in our view, unjustified. In the long run, it is prone not to reduce but rather to increase the risk emanating of terrorist organizations." Earlier this year, Hong Kong was raised at UNSC's closed-door meet for the first time over the new security law irking Bejing.

Uighur situation: US, UK and Germany corner China at UNSC

The Indian mission at the UN said that Permanent Representative of Pakistan claimed to have made a statement at the UNSC when "it was not open to non-members of the Security Council."

"A lie repeated a hundred times will not become truth. The biggest sponsor of cross-border terrorism against India now tries to masquerade itself as a victim of terrorism in India," the Indian mission said in a statement.

"Pakistan has become home to the largest number of terrorists proscribed by the United Nations. Many of the sanctioned terrorists and entities continue to operate with impunity inside Pakistan," it said," adding,"Prime Minister of Pakistan admitted at the UN General Assembly in 2019 the presence of 40,000-50,000 terrorists inside Pakistan."

"The claim that Pakistan has decimated Al-Qaida from the region, perhaps the Permanent Representative of Pakistan is not aware that Osama Bin Laden was hiding in their own country in plain sight, and it is the US forces which got him inside Pakistan."

"Nor have they heard their Prime Minister refer to Osama Bin Laden as a martyr," the Indian mission said.

The Indian mission added that Pakistan makes "laughable claim that India has hired mercenaries to him them" while rejecting Indians being in the 1267 sanctions list. "The 1267 Sanctions list is public and the world can see none of the individuals are in it. The 1267 committee works on the basis of evidence and not random accusations thrown to divert time and attention."

"Pakistan makes ridiculous assertions about India's internal affairs. This is a country whose minority population has dropped drastically from 1947 to what it is today which is about 3 per cent, which is nothing short of systematic cleansing."

The Indian mission at the UN said that Permanent Representative of Pakistan claimed to have made a statement at the UNSC when "it was not open to non-members of the Security Council.

The Indian mission at the UN said that Permanent Representative of Pakistan claimed to have made a statement at the UNSC when "it was not open to non-members of the Security Council." "A lie repeated a hundred times will not become truth. The biggest sponsor of cross-border terrorism against India now tries to masquerade itself as a victim of terrorism in India," the Indian mission said in a statement. "Pakistan has become home to the largest number of terrorists proscribed by the United Nations. Many of the sanctioned terrorists and entities continue to operate with impunity inside Pakistan," it said," adding,"Prime Minister of Pakistan admitted at the UN General Assembly in 2019 the presence of 40,000-50,000 terrorists inside Pakistan." "The claim that Pakistan has decimated Al-Qaida from the region, perhaps the Permanent Representative of Pakistan is not aware that Osama Bin Laden was hiding in their own country in plain sight, and it is the US forces which got him inside Pakistan." "Nor have they heard their Prime Minister refer to Osama Bin Laden as a martyr," the Indian mission said. The Indian mission added that Pakistan makes "laughable claim that India has hired mercenaries to him them" while rejecting Indians being in the 1267 sanctions list. "The 1267 Sanctions list is public and the world can see none of the individuals are in it. The 1267 committee works on the basis of evidence and not random accusations thrown to divert time and attention." "Pakistan makes ridiculous assertions about India's internal affairs. This is a country whose minority population has dropped drastically from 1947 to what it is today which is about 3 per cent, which is nothing short of systematic cleansing."

Pak has become home largest number of terrorists proscribed by UN, says India at UN

In UN Security Council vote on Friday, Washington received support from the Dominican Republic for its proposal to extend it indefinitely, leaving it far short of the minimum of nine "yes" votes required for adoption.

UN Security Council once again rejects US bid to extend Iran arms embargo

US President Donald Trump on August 15 said to use the snapback technique, a day after the UN Security Council rejected an American resolution to extend an Iranian arms embargo. Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif later said “American snapback is illegal and unacceptable and the Americans know they cannot use snapback."

Iran Nuclear Deal: US has been humiliated at the UN, says Iran

United States has lost a bid to extent the United Nation's imposed arms embargo on Iran at United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Russia & China opposed the US bid to extend Iran arms ban.

US loses bid to extent the United Nation's imposed arms embargo on Iran at UNSC

US President Donald Trump has announced that he intends to move next week to trigger a "snapback" of international sanctions against Iran at the UNSC.

Trump threatens 'Snapback' of UN sanctions against Iran

In an indirect reference to Pakistan, India has said "conflict actors" are trying to exploit the current uncertainty created due to COVID-19 pandemic to indulge misinformation, terrorist attacks.&nbsp;

In a statement at the united nations security council (UNSC), India said, " Some conflict actors are exploiting the current climate of uncertainty to press their agendas, including through spread of misinformation to foment discord and violence and even sponsor opportunistic terrorist attacks."

Highlighting how COVID-19 Pandemic has "caused global disruption" on a "scale that has not been experienced before by this generation", the statement said, "the pandemic is still raging, and its implications, though hard to foretell in exact terms, is certain to be profound and multidimensional."

New Delhi said, "pandemics can exacerbate the humanitarian consequences of any conflict situation....maintenance of peace and security, including UN peacekeeping operations"

The UN Secretary-General in a meeting of Security Council on 9 April had pointed out how the pandemic can lead to erosion of trust in public institutions, a rise in societal tensions etc.&nbsp;

India suggested the use of "digital solutions" to bring communities closer together especially in sharing life-saving information on how to survive the pandemic and it is "important for international players to look at a model of international development and humanitarian action which will strengthen not just the national response to COVID-19 but also promote essential pillars of peacebuilding." 
&nbsp;

In an indirect reference to Pakistan, India has said "conflict actors" are trying to exploit the current uncertainty created due to COVID-19 pandemic to indulge misinformation, terrorist attacks.

In an indirect reference to Pakistan, India has said "conflict actors" are trying to exploit the current uncertainty created due to COVID-19 pandemic to indulge misinformation, terrorist attacks. In a statement at the united nations security council (UNSC), India said, " Some conflict actors are exploiting the current climate of uncertainty to press their agendas, including through spread of misinformation to foment discord and violence and even sponsor opportunistic terrorist attacks." Highlighting how COVID-19 Pandemic has "caused global disruption" on a "scale that has not been experienced before by this generation", the statement said, "the pandemic is still raging, and its implications, though hard to foretell in exact terms, is certain to be profound and multidimensional." New Delhi said, "pandemics can exacerbate the humanitarian consequences of any conflict situation....maintenance of peace and security, including UN peacekeeping operations" The UN Secretary-General in a meeting of Security Council on 9 April had pointed out how the pandemic can lead to erosion of trust in public institutions, a rise in societal tensions etc. India suggested the use of "digital solutions" to bring communities closer together especially in sharing life-saving information on how to survive the pandemic and it is "important for international players to look at a model of international development and humanitarian action which will strengthen not just the national response to COVID-19 but also promote essential pillars of peacebuilding."

'Conflict actors' exploiting COVID-19 for misinformation, terror attacks, says India at UNSC

The world has been facing an omnipresent enemy called terrorism. India recently raised the issue at United Nations Security Council. Major General (Retd) Shashi Asthana explains what this means.

Video opinion: Terrorism and the global response to it

New Delhi accuses Pakistan of arms trafficking at United Nations Security Council (UNSC). India raised the issue of cross-border terrorism as well. India highlighted the ways in which organised crime syndicate fund terror organisations.

New Delhi accuses Pakistan of arms trafficking at UNSC

India has hit back at China as it tried to rake the Kashmir issue not only at United Nations Security Council (UNSC) but also in its daily foreign ministry pressers. The Chinese action of August 5 coincided with the first anniversary of the removal of special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir by India.&nbsp;

To this end, the Ministry of External Affairs said, "We have noted that China initiated a discussion at the UN Security Council on issues pertaining to the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. This was not the first time that China has sought to raise a subject that is solely an internal matter of India."

"As on such previous occasions, this attempt too met with little support from the international community. We firmly reject China’s interference in our internal affairs and urge it to draw proper conclusions from such infructuous attempts."

China at the behest of Pakistan has in the past -- August, 2019 and January, 2020 -- raked Kashmir informally at the UNSC. Domestically Pakistan has used these developments for propaganda purposes while not explaining that these meets are informal and without outcome. &nbsp;

Indian envoy to United Nations TS Tirumurti in a tweet explained, "Another attempt by Pakistan fails! In today’s meeting of UN Security Council which was closed, informal, not recorded and without any outcome, almost all countries underlined that J&amp;K was the bilateral issue &amp; did not deserve time and attention of Council."

The Chinese raised the matter under "Any Other Business" (AOB ) format, something which no one prevents from the discussion. It is interesting to know that the developments in Hong Kong were raised by the US and other members of UNSC in May in the same format, irking China. And even China, which is a permanent member of UNSC, couldn’t stop a discussion on them.

China and Pakistan's actions looked coordinated on the first anniversary of the removal of special status. On Wednesday itself, the Chinese foreign ministry responding to a question from Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) on Kashmir called India removing special status as "illegal and invalid."

China's foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said, "China pays high degree of attention to the Kashmir issue. Any unilateral change to the status quo is illegal and invalid. This issue should be properly resolved peacefully through dialogue and consultations between the parties concerned."

New Delhi, while taking a "note" of Chinese comments, sharply reacted to it. The MEA said, "The Chinese side has no locus standi whatsoever on this matter and is advised not to comment on the internal affairs of other nations."

The developments come amidst China's growing aggressiveness with India at the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh. The June 15 Galwan incident saw ties between the two countries reaching a nadir in years.

Twenty Indian soldiers lost their lives in the incident. China has been quiet about the number of casualties on its side.&nbsp;

India has hit back at China as it tried to rake the Kashmir issue not only at United Nations Security Council (UNSC) but also in its daily foreign ministry pressers.

India has hit back at China as it tried to rake the Kashmir issue not only at United Nations Security Council (UNSC) but also in its daily foreign ministry pressers. The Chinese action of August 5 coincided with the first anniversary of the removal of special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir by India. To this end, the Ministry of External Affairs said, "We have noted that China initiated a discussion at the UN Security Council on issues pertaining to the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. This was not the first time that China has sought to raise a subject that is solely an internal matter of India." "As on such previous occasions, this attempt too met with little support from the international community. We firmly reject China’s interference in our internal affairs and urge it to draw proper conclusions from such infructuous attempts." China at the behest of Pakistan has in the past -- August, 2019 and January, 2020 -- raked Kashmir informally at the UNSC. Domestically Pakistan has used these developments for propaganda purposes while not explaining that these meets are informal and without outcome. Indian envoy to United Nations TS Tirumurti in a tweet explained, "Another attempt by Pakistan fails! In today’s meeting of UN Security Council which was closed, informal, not recorded and without any outcome, almost all countries underlined that J&K was the bilateral issue & did not deserve time and attention of Council." The Chinese raised the matter under "Any Other Business" (AOB ) format, something which no one prevents from the discussion. It is interesting to know that the developments in Hong Kong were raised by the US and other members of UNSC in May in the same format, irking China. And even China, which is a permanent member of UNSC, couldn’t stop a discussion on them. China and Pakistan's actions looked coordinated on the first anniversary of the removal of special status. On Wednesday itself, the Chinese foreign ministry responding to a question from Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) on Kashmir called India removing special status as "illegal and invalid." China's foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said, "China pays high degree of attention to the Kashmir issue. Any unilateral change to the status quo is illegal and invalid. This issue should be properly resolved peacefully through dialogue and consultations between the parties concerned." New Delhi, while taking a "note" of Chinese comments, sharply reacted to it. The MEA said, "The Chinese side has no locus standi whatsoever on this matter and is advised not to comment on the internal affairs of other nations." The developments come amidst China's growing aggressiveness with India at the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh. The June 15 Galwan incident saw ties between the two countries reaching a nadir in years. Twenty Indian soldiers lost their lives in the incident. China has been quiet about the number of casualties on its side.

China rakes up Kashmir at UNSC; India gives stern response

India on Thursday slammed China for making another attempt to raise the Kashmir issue on Pakistan’s behest at the UN Security Council

'Stop meddling in our internal matters', India slams China for raising Kashmir issue at UNSC

A United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Report has highlighted how Pakistani nationals continue to provide leadership to the Islamic State and Al Qaeda in South Asia and the extent of involvement by the country when it comes to terror groups.

The report submitted by the 1267 monitoring committee of the UNSC said the current and former head of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant — Khorasan province (ISIL K) — Aslam Farooqi and Zia ul-Haq are Pakistani nationals and Pakistan born Osama Mahmood is the current head of Al Qaida in the Indian subcontinent (AQIS).

The report said, "In April and May, the Afghan special forces conducted a series of countrywide operations that led to the arrest of leaders of the group, including Aslam group, the head of ISIL-K, his predecessor Zia Ul Haq and other senior members."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-defends-kulbhushan-jadhavs-review-petition-says-decision-taken-to-prevent-india-approach-un-315817">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan defends Kulbhushan Jadhav's review petition, says decision taken to prevent India approach UN</a>

On Al Qaida in the Indian subcontinent, the report said its,"current leader is Osama Mahmood (not listed), who succeeded the late Asim Umar. AQIS is reportedly planning retaliation operations in the region to avenge the death of its former leader."

It is&nbsp;just not leadership, but also the force being provided by Pakistan. The report said, "The total number of Pakistani foreign terrorist fighters in Afghanistan is estimated at between 6000 and 6500" most of them with Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

These terror groups with Pakistani leadership have formed ungoverned areas of Afghanistan as the base, something that has been highlighted by the Afghan government.

Listing of terrorist at the United Nations happens under the 1267 committee. The committee also oversees the sanctions measures imposed by the Security Council.

A United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Report has highlighted how Pakistani nationals continue to provide leadership to the Islamic State and Al Qaeda in South Asia and the extent of involvement by the country when it comes to terror groups.

A United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Report has highlighted how Pakistani nationals continue to provide leadership to the Islamic State and Al Qaeda in South Asia and the extent of involvement by the country when it comes to terror groups. The report submitted by the 1267 monitoring committee of the UNSC said the current and former head of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant — Khorasan province (ISIL K) — Aslam Farooqi and Zia ul-Haq are Pakistani nationals and Pakistan born Osama Mahmood is the current head of Al Qaida in the Indian subcontinent (AQIS). The report said, "In April and May, the Afghan special forces conducted a series of countrywide operations that led to the arrest of leaders of the group, including Aslam group, the head of ISIL-K, his predecessor Zia Ul Haq and other senior members." Also read: Pakistan defends Kulbhushan Jadhav's review petition, says decision taken to prevent India approach UN On Al Qaida in the Indian subcontinent, the report said its,"current leader is Osama Mahmood (not listed), who succeeded the late Asim Umar. AQIS is reportedly planning retaliation operations in the region to avenge the death of its former leader." It is just not leadership, but also the force being provided by Pakistan. The report said, "The total number of Pakistani foreign terrorist fighters in Afghanistan is estimated at between 6000 and 6500" most of them with Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP). These terror groups with Pakistani leadership have formed ungoverned areas of Afghanistan as the base, something that has been highlighted by the Afghan government. Listing of terrorist at the United Nations happens under the 1267 committee. The committee also oversees the sanctions measures imposed by the Security Council.

Pakistani leadership for Islamic state, Al Qaeda in South Asia continues: UNSC report

Democratic presumptive presidential nominee Joe Biden, if elected to power in the November elections, will help shape international bodies like the United Nations so that India get a permanent seat on the Security Council, a former top American diplomat has said.

India has been pushing for reforms of the United Nations, including the Security Council, stating that its composition doesn't reflect the current realities and is not representative enough.

The UNSC has 15 members, including five permanent members -- the US, the UK, France, Russia and China. China is the only permanent member of the UNSC which is opposed to India's inclusion into the powerful grouping. Half of the 10 non-permanent members are elected every year for a two-year term. India, along with Mexico and Ireland, has been recently elected a non-permanent member for a two-year term starting January 1, 2021.

"There's no question that under his (Biden) leadership, he would help shape international institutions like the UN to give India a (permanent) seat on the Security Council, he would fulfil its (India) status as a major defence partner," former US Ambassador to India Richard Verma said on Saturday.

"He (Biden) would work together with India to keep our citizens collectively safe. That means standing up against cross-border terrorism and standing with India when its neighbours attempt to change the status quo," he added.

Verma, an Indian-American who was US ambassador to India from 2014 to 2017, joined three other prominent Indian-Americans to make a strong pitch for the small but highly influential community to support and vote for Biden in the US presidential elections.

The 77-year-old former US vice president is set to be formally nominated by the Democratic Party in August. He will challenge 74-year-old incumbent President Donald Trump, a Republican in the November 3 presidential elections.

Verma, Biden Unity Task Force Economic Policy advisor Sonal Shah, former US surgeon general Vivek Murthy and Centre for American Progress Action Fund CEO Neera Tanden in their address to a virtual event argued that over the past several decades, Biden has a proven track record of being the best friend of Indians and Indian-Americans, be it as a Senator from Delaware or as a vice president under the Obama administration.

"There's no question president Biden would build a more inclusive, tolerant just and fair administration that would take US-India relations to new heights," Verma said at the event -- 'An Electorate Coming of Age: Indian Americans for Biden Community Town Hall'.

He urged the Indian-American community to make Biden's dream of making India and the US the two closet nations in the world a reality.

"I can confidently say, there would have been no US India Civil Nuclear Deal but for Joe Biden," Verma said.

"In 2006, I remember the remarks he made where he said, 'My dream is that in 2020, the two closest nations in the world will be India and the United States. If that occurs, the world will be safer.' Think about that for a second. He made those remarks in 2006. And here we are, it's 2020. Let's make Joe Biden's dream a reality. That only becomes a reality if he becomes president," he said.

In her address, Neera Tanden urged Indian-Americans to take steps every day over the next three-and-a-half months to ensure that Biden becomes the president.

Sonal Shah said she will vote for Biden as she wants a country that is open to people like her, to her friends, to her colleagues and to everyone else.

"We are not just immigrants, we are not just people sitting on the side, we are part of that American fabric and welcome us to help create that fabric because we've been lucky enough to be able to do that. But it took people like Joe Biden to allow us and help us participate and give us those chances. We've benefited from that. So now I vote because I believe he is the right person, and we can build that country together with him," she said.

According to Dr Murthy, Biden's recognition and appreciation for immigrants and for communities like Indian-Americans is forming an incredibly important part of the backbone of the United States of America.

"This is a moment for our country when leadership matters, when values matter. When we go to the voting booth, as we think about how to build support for the candidate that will best reflect our vision and our hopes and our dreams. Let's lead with our values. Let's vote for the person who understands us," he said at the event organised jointly by the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) for Biden, the AAPI Victory Fund and South Asians for Biden.

Later in a statement, Ajay Jain Bhutoria, who is on National Finance Committee for Biden, said, "Most Indian-Americans would say without hesitation that Biden would be a better president and world leader and better for India on all counts."

"The choice is clear for voting in November 2020. The choice is even clearer for Indo Americans and South Asians. Biden is the best answer for India and Indian-Americans. The Indian community sees him as one of 'our' leaders," he said.

Democratic presumptive presidential nominee Joe Biden, if elected to power in the November elections, will help shape international bodies like the United Nations so that India get a permanent seat on the Security Council, a former top American diplomat has said.

Democratic presumptive presidential nominee Joe Biden, if elected to power in the November elections, will help shape international bodies like the United Nations so that India get a permanent seat on the Security Council, a former top American diplomat has said. India has been pushing for reforms of the United Nations, including the Security Council, stating that its composition doesn't reflect the current realities and is not representative enough. The UNSC has 15 members, including five permanent members -- the US, the UK, France, Russia and China. China is the only permanent member of the UNSC which is opposed to India's inclusion into the powerful grouping. Half of the 10 non-permanent members are elected every year for a two-year term. India, along with Mexico and Ireland, has been recently elected a non-permanent member for a two-year term starting January 1, 2021. "There's no question that under his (Biden) leadership, he would help shape international institutions like the UN to give India a (permanent) seat on the Security Council, he would fulfil its (India) status as a major defence partner," former US Ambassador to India Richard Verma said on Saturday. "He (Biden) would work together with India to keep our citizens collectively safe. That means standing up against cross-border terrorism and standing with India when its neighbours attempt to change the status quo," he added. Verma, an Indian-American who was US ambassador to India from 2014 to 2017, joined three other prominent Indian-Americans to make a strong pitch for the small but highly influential community to support and vote for Biden in the US presidential elections. The 77-year-old former US vice president is set to be formally nominated by the Democratic Party in August. He will challenge 74-year-old incumbent President Donald Trump, a Republican in the November 3 presidential elections. Verma, Biden Unity Task Force Economic Policy advisor Sonal Shah, former US surgeon general Vivek Murthy and Centre for American Progress Action Fund CEO Neera Tanden in their address to a virtual event argued that over the past several decades, Biden has a proven track record of being the best friend of Indians and Indian-Americans, be it as a Senator from Delaware or as a vice president under the Obama administration. "There's no question president Biden would build a more inclusive, tolerant just and fair administration that would take US-India relations to new heights," Verma said at the event -- 'An Electorate Coming of Age: Indian Americans for Biden Community Town Hall'. He urged the Indian-American community to make Biden's dream of making India and the US the two closet nations in the world a reality. "I can confidently say, there would have been no US India Civil Nuclear Deal but for Joe Biden," Verma said. "In 2006, I remember the remarks he made where he said, 'My dream is that in 2020, the two closest nations in the world will be India and the United States. If that occurs, the world will be safer.' Think about that for a second. He made those remarks in 2006. And here we are, it's 2020. Let's make Joe Biden's dream a reality. That only becomes a reality if he becomes president," he said. In her address, Neera Tanden urged Indian-Americans to take steps every day over the next three-and-a-half months to ensure that Biden becomes the president. Sonal Shah said she will vote for Biden as she wants a country that is open to people like her, to her friends, to her colleagues and to everyone else. "We are not just immigrants, we are not just people sitting on the side, we are part of that American fabric and welcome us to help create that fabric because we've been lucky enough to be able to do that. But it took people like Joe Biden to allow us and help us participate and give us those chances. We've benefited from that. So now I vote because I believe he is the right person, and we can build that country together with him," she said. According to Dr Murthy, Biden's recognition and appreciation for immigrants and for communities like Indian-Americans is forming an incredibly important part of the backbone of the United States of America. "This is a moment for our country when leadership matters, when values matter. When we go to the voting booth, as we think about how to build support for the candidate that will best reflect our vision and our hopes and our dreams. Let's lead with our values. Let's vote for the person who understands us," he said at the event organised jointly by the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) for Biden, the AAPI Victory Fund and South Asians for Biden. Later in a statement, Ajay Jain Bhutoria, who is on National Finance Committee for Biden, said, "Most Indian-Americans would say without hesitation that Biden would be a better president and world leader and better for India on all counts." "The choice is clear for voting in November 2020. The choice is even clearer for Indo Americans and South Asians. Biden is the best answer for India and Indian-Americans. The Indian community sees him as one of 'our' leaders," he said.

Biden as US president would help India get seat on UNSC: Former American diplomat

The security Council of the United Nations have endorsed a resolution on a global cease-fire in time to prevent the spread of pandemic COVID-19

UN demands for universal ceasefire to tackle COVID-19

After months of deadlock, the United Nations Security Council has finally adopted a resolution to combat COVID-19. The resolution was drafted by France and Tunisia. Watch report.

UNSC to meet at 8 PM IST: Lauds role of women in COVID-19 response

Pakistan on Thursday refused to felicitate India after it was elected as a non-permanent member of the powerful UN Security Council, accusing it of violating the UN resolutions on Kashmir.

India was overwhelmingly elected as a non-permanent member of the powerful UN Security Council on Wednesday for a two-year term.

India, the endorsed candidate from the Asia-Pacific States, won 184 votes out of the 192 ballots cast in the elections for the five non-permanent seats of the Security Council, the world organisation's most powerful organ.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-secures-non-permanent-unsc-seat-elected-from-asia-pacific-group-306760">Also watch|&nbsp;India secures non-permanent UNSC seat: Elected from Asia-Pacific group</a>

Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Aisha Farooqui said at a regular media briefing that the General Assembly elected four non-permanent members to the Security Council for a two-year term commencing from 1 January 2021.

"We congratulate Ireland, Norway and Mexico on their election to the Council. The election of India, however, raises fundamental questions," she said.

She said that the UN Charter has entrusted the Security Council with primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-disappointed-as-kenya-djibouti-fail-to-win-enough-votes-at-unsc-306668">Also read|&nbsp;Canada disappointed as Kenya, Djibouti fail to win enough votes at UNSC</a>

"India stands in flagrant violation of several resolutions of the Security Council that prescribed a UN-supervised plebiscite to enable the people of Jammu and Kashmir to exercise their fundamental right to self-determination," she said.

She said Pakistan will be working with the rest of the members of the Security Council in advancing the objectives of international peace and security in South Asia and beyond.

On a conflict between forces of India and China in Ladakh, Farooqui said that renewed clashes at China-India border areas happened as China was negotiating with India to resolve the conflict peacefully and through agreed mechanisms.

"India's belligerent policies and actions seeking to unilaterally change borders with neighbours continue to pose a threat to peace and security of the region and undermine the efforts aimed at promoting stability and development in the region," she alleged.

After its election, India on Thursday said enhancing counter terrorism action by the powerful UN body and depoliticising the process of putting sanctions on terror entities will be among its top priorities.

Briefing the media on India's election to the UN body, Secretary West in the Ministry of External Affairs, Vikas Swarup, said the country looks forward for being the voice for all those who are not represented on the Council.

She also rejected Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's remark about the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Addressing a virtual Jan Samvad rally for Jammu and Kashmir, Singh said on Sunday that when the people of PoK will want to be freed of Pakistan's occupation and be part of India, then this will lead to the fulfilment of Parliament's resolution that the region is an integral part of the country.

On a question about the two officials of the Indian High Commission arrested on Monday for their alleged involvement in a hit-and-run incident in Pakistan's capital Islamabad, she said they were over-speeding and crashed their car into a pedestrian, which led to their arrest but they were set free.

"During the course of investigation, fake currency was also recovered from the aforementioned officials," she alleged.

India on Tuesday summoned Charge d' Affaires of Pakistan High Commission Haider Shah and a lodged a strong protest with him over the "abduction and torture" of two officials of the Indian mission in Islamabad by Pakistani agencies.

Pakistan on Thursday refused to felicitate India after it was elected as a non-permanent member of the powerful UN Security Council, accusing it of violating the UN resolutions on Kashmir.

Pakistan on Thursday refused to felicitate India after it was elected as a non-permanent member of the powerful UN Security Council, accusing it of violating the UN resolutions on Kashmir. India was overwhelmingly elected as a non-permanent member of the powerful UN Security Council on Wednesday for a two-year term. India, the endorsed candidate from the Asia-Pacific States, won 184 votes out of the 192 ballots cast in the elections for the five non-permanent seats of the Security Council, the world organisation's most powerful organ. Also watch| India secures non-permanent UNSC seat: Elected from Asia-Pacific group Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Aisha Farooqui said at a regular media briefing that the General Assembly elected four non-permanent members to the Security Council for a two-year term commencing from 1 January 2021. "We congratulate Ireland, Norway and Mexico on their election to the Council. The election of India, however, raises fundamental questions," she said. She said that the UN Charter has entrusted the Security Council with primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. Also read| Canada disappointed as Kenya, Djibouti fail to win enough votes at UNSC "India stands in flagrant violation of several resolutions of the Security Council that prescribed a UN-supervised plebiscite to enable the people of Jammu and Kashmir to exercise their fundamental right to self-determination," she said. She said Pakistan will be working with the rest of the members of the Security Council in advancing the objectives of international peace and security in South Asia and beyond. On a conflict between forces of India and China in Ladakh, Farooqui said that renewed clashes at China-India border areas happened as China was negotiating with India to resolve the conflict peacefully and through agreed mechanisms. "India's belligerent policies and actions seeking to unilaterally change borders with neighbours continue to pose a threat to peace and security of the region and undermine the efforts aimed at promoting stability and development in the region," she alleged. After its election, India on Thursday said enhancing counter terrorism action by the powerful UN body and depoliticising the process of putting sanctions on terror entities will be among its top priorities. Briefing the media on India's election to the UN body, Secretary West in the Ministry of External Affairs, Vikas Swarup, said the country looks forward for being the voice for all those who are not represented on the Council. She also rejected Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's remark about the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Addressing a virtual Jan Samvad rally for Jammu and Kashmir, Singh said on Sunday that when the people of PoK will want to be freed of Pakistan's occupation and be part of India, then this will lead to the fulfilment of Parliament's resolution that the region is an integral part of the country. On a question about the two officials of the Indian High Commission arrested on Monday for their alleged involvement in a hit-and-run incident in Pakistan's capital Islamabad, she said they were over-speeding and crashed their car into a pedestrian, which led to their arrest but they were set free. "During the course of investigation, fake currency was also recovered from the aforementioned officials," she alleged. India on Tuesday summoned Charge d' Affaires of Pakistan High Commission Haider Shah and a lodged a strong protest with him over the "abduction and torture" of two officials of the Indian mission in Islamabad by Pakistani agencies.

Pak refuses to felicitate India after its election as non-permanent UNSC member

India was elected as non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for a two-year term after winning 184 votes in the 193-member General Assembly.

India secures non-permanent UNSC seat | Elected from Asia-Pacific group

Government of India on Thursday said that enhancing counter-terrorism action by the powerful UN body and depoliticizing the process of putting sanctions on terror entities will be among its top priorities.

Briefing the media on India's election to the UN body, Secretary West in the Ministry of External Affairs, Vikas Swarup made this statement hours after India won the non-permanent member of the 15 member United Nations Security Council (UNSC) from the Asia-Pacific category for 2021-22 term.

India was overwhelmingly elected as a non-permanent member of the powerful UN Security Council for a two-year term in an unprecedented election, in which envoys from the 192 member states voted wearing masks and in adherence to strict social distancing norms given the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Earlier also, when India was a member of the Security Council during 2011-12, we had chaired the United Nations counter-terrorism committee and had brought in the concept of 'zero tolerance to terrorism'," Swarup said.

"The process of sanctioning also needs to be depoliticised as there is no justification of any act of terrorism," Swarup said.&nbsp;

Asked if a Pakistani representative had raised a bilateral issue at the multilateral forum and politicised the platform, Swarup said this is the kind of behaviour "we have been seeing from Pakistan over the past many months and years".

"They always rake up bilateral issues in multilateral fora. They have made it almost a standard norm for their policy," Swarup said.

"As far as we are concerned, our foreign policy has a much broader canvas, we have a much wider and global focus and as a member of the UNSC, we will be dealing with all those issues which are under the consideration of the security council in line with priorities that the External Affairs Minister (S Jaishankar) has outlined," he said.

"Our work in the UNSC will be guided on our Prime Minister's call for reformed multilateralism, and the dynamic 5-S vision namely Samman (respect), Samvad (dialogue), Sahyog (cooperation), Shanti (peace) and Samriddhi (universal prosperity)," Swarup said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Government of India on Thursday said that enhancing counter-terrorism action by the powerful UN body and depoliticizing the process of putting sanctions on terror entities will be among its top priorities.

Government of India on Thursday said that enhancing counter-terrorism action by the powerful UN body and depoliticizing the process of putting sanctions on terror entities will be among its top priorities. Briefing the media on India's election to the UN body, Secretary West in the Ministry of External Affairs, Vikas Swarup made this statement hours after India won the non-permanent member of the 15 member United Nations Security Council (UNSC) from the Asia-Pacific category for 2021-22 term. India was overwhelmingly elected as a non-permanent member of the powerful UN Security Council for a two-year term in an unprecedented election, in which envoys from the 192 member states voted wearing masks and in adherence to strict social distancing norms given the COVID-19 pandemic. "Earlier also, when India was a member of the Security Council during 2011-12, we had chaired the United Nations counter-terrorism committee and had brought in the concept of 'zero tolerance to terrorism'," Swarup said. "The process of sanctioning also needs to be depoliticised as there is no justification of any act of terrorism," Swarup said. Asked if a Pakistani representative had raised a bilateral issue at the multilateral forum and politicised the platform, Swarup said this is the kind of behaviour "we have been seeing from Pakistan over the past many months and years". "They always rake up bilateral issues in multilateral fora. They have made it almost a standard norm for their policy," Swarup said. "As far as we are concerned, our foreign policy has a much broader canvas, we have a much wider and global focus and as a member of the UNSC, we will be dealing with all those issues which are under the consideration of the security council in line with priorities that the External Affairs Minister (S Jaishankar) has outlined," he said. "Our work in the UNSC will be guided on our Prime Minister's call for reformed multilateralism, and the dynamic 5-S vision namely Samman (respect), Samvad (dialogue), Sahyog (cooperation), Shanti (peace) and Samriddhi (universal prosperity)," Swarup said. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan always rakes up bilateral issues in multilateral forums: MEA 

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