Opposition space
As India undergoes another monumental electoral exercise, the spotlight intensifies on the condition of its democratic institutions, particularly the role and effectiveness of the opposition.
India on Monday discussed ways to revitalise the United Nations, including reform of the Security Council, as External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj held talks with visiting President-elect of the UN General Assembly Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces.
“EAM @SushmaSwaraj and UNGA President-elect @mfespinosaEC held wide ranging discussions on revitalisation of the @UN, including reform of the UN Security Council, strengthening global counter terrorism legal framework and other global issues,’’ External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.
Garces said the UN attached great importance to its relationship with India. She also spoke about the important role India was playing in strengthening multilateralism and its great contribution in supporting the work of the UN.
Advertisement
She said the UN was willing to work with India and the rest of the world to maintain a rules-based international order, promote free trade under the framework of international law and the WTO, promote economic globalisation that was inclusive and beneficial to all, and work with all parties to meet challenges and promote world peace, stability, development and prosperity.
Garces, an Ecuadorian national. was elected to the post in June and her term begins in September. She is the fourth woman to assume this position. Vijayalakshmi Pandit from India was the first-ever woman to be elected as President of the UNGA.
Graces had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday and shared her priorities for the upcoming session of the UNGA. Modi had assured her of India’s full support and constructive cooperation in discharging her responsibilities.
They had also discussed the need for stronger UN action on major global challenges including terrorism, United Nations reform and climate change.
Advertisement
