NAM Ministerial Meeting

Protecting Civilians in Armed Conflict

Standing in Solidarity with the Palestinian People

23 September 2024, New York

Remarks by Secretary (West)

Thank you, Chair.

We appreciate Uganda’s leadership of our movement at this time.

The surge in armed conflicts around the globe has led to devastating consequences, impacting civilian populations, especially in the developing world harshly and disproportionately.

Current multilateral system is ineffective in containing and ending conflict. It is important that the multilateral system is reformed and that UN Security Council is made more representative, reflecting contemporary realities.

Excellencies,

It has been 11 months since the Gaza conflict started India has repeatedly expressed its concern over the conflict and the continuing humanitarian crisis.

India was among the countries who condemned the terror attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023 and called for the release of all hostages. India also condemned the large-scale loss of civilian lives, especially of women and children.

We have called for restraint, de-escalation and emphasized the peaceful resolution of the conflict. We urge protection of civilians in such conflict situations and adherence to international humanitarian law under all circumstances.

Dialogue and diplomacy are the only way forward.

Excellencies,

Terrorism remains a grave threat to all societies.

Therefore, any debate on protection of civilians must address the destruction caused by terrorist groups, especially those supported by state actors with political agendas.

The international community needs to stand firm in its opposition to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reject any attempt to justify terrorist acts.

Excellencies,

India has always supported UNRWA’s role in human development and humanitarian services.

Our developmental assistance to Palestine, over the years, amounts to around 120 million USD, including nearly 40 million USD as contribution to UNRWA. India has been providing an annual contribution of 5 million USD to UNRWA since 2018. This year, we have already disbursed 2.5 million USD, the first tranche of our annual contribution.

Excellencies,

We reiterate the call for an immediate ceasefire.

We reaffirm the need for safe, timely and sustained humanitarian assistance and access to relief and essential humanitarian services in the Gaza Strip.

We also call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. Towards this end, we appreciate the role played by NAM member states in the region.

India has always supported a two-State solution.

We will continue our engagement with the region in realizing the vision of sustained peace and stability in West Asia.

Mr. Chairman,

Regrettably, Pakistan has yet again abused NAM principles and this platform to indulge in false and malicious propaganda against my country and distract from the urgent theme and focus of today’s discussions.

We reject any attempt to interfere in India’s internal affairs.

Excellencies,

NAM is a multilateral forum mobilizing support for developing nations.

It is crucial that we defend and nurture NAM´s tradition of independence and set our own agenda.

As a founding member, India remains invested in NAM and will continue to actively engage with partners to revitalize our Movement.

Thank You.