India has reiterated its strong position on the importance of national ownership and transparency in the ongoing reforms of the United Nations Development System. Speaking at the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Operational Activities for Development Segment.

India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Parvathaneni Harish, emphasised that the primacy of the UN’s development pillar must be preserved and that national ownership should remain central to all global development efforts.

He participated in a dialogue with UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, who also chairs the UN Sustainable Development Group.

Harish underscored that discussions on reforms to the UN Resident Coordinator system should remain focused on strengthening support for countries’ development priorities. He stressed that any recalibration of the system must enhance program support to nations under the development pillar, rather than dilute their autonomy.

He further highlighted governance and funding issues, calling for transparency, accountability, and a comprehensive assessment of the system’s development impact as deliberations continue on its future funding and governance arrangements.

India’s intervention reflects its consistent advocacy for reforms that ensure the UN remains responsive to the needs of member states, particularly developing countries. By insisting on transparency and accountability, India has sought to ensure that reforms do not compromise the principle of national ownership, which it views as essential for effective and sustainable development outcomes.

Just days earlier, on 30 May, India’s Permanent Mission to the UN, along with Austria, co-hosted a solemn commemoration marking the International Day of UN Peacekeepers. The event honoured nearly 4,000 peacekeepers, including 184 Indians, who made the supreme sacrifice under the UN flag.

Over the past year alone, 45 uniformed peacekeepers lost their lives in the pursuit of peace. Harish paid tribute to their courage and dedication, stating that their sacrifice would never be forgotten.

India’s Permanent Mission highlighted that the country has been a proud partner in UN peacekeeping since 1948, having deployed nearly 3,00,000 troops in more than 50 missions worldwide.

With 184 Indian peacekeepers having laid down their lives in defence of international peace and security, India’s role in peacekeeping remains one of the most significant among member states. The commemoration underscored India’s longstanding commitment to global peace and stability.

The United Nations in India also marked the occasion by honouring Major Abhilasha Barak, who was awarded the 2025 Military Gender Advocate of the Year. Serving with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, Major Barak’s recognition reflects India’s growing contribution to gender-sensitive peacekeeping and its efforts to promote inclusivity within international security frameworks.

India’s dual emphasis on reforming the UN Development System and honouring its peacekeeping legacy demonstrates its broader vision of strengthening multilateralism.

By advocating for national ownership in development and transparency in governance, while simultaneously commemorating the sacrifices of peacekeepers, India has reinforced its role as a responsible stakeholder in shaping the future of the United Nations.

ANI