India has reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter, with Permanent Representative to the UN P. Harish describing the document as a symbol of “hope” for the country’s 1.4 billion citizens.
Speaking after symbolically signing the Preamble of the UN Charter at the United Nations Headquarters on Tuesday, Harish said the Charter’s significance for India could be summed up in one word — “ummeed”, meaning hope.
The symbolic signing ceremony was organised ahead of UN Charter Day, observed annually on June 26, to reaffirm member states’ commitment to the founding principles of the world body.
Addressing the event, Harish said the UN Charter continues to embody the aspirations of people across the world and remains central to promoting peace, cooperation and multilateralism.
The initiative was proposed by President of the UN General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, who described the ceremony as a “renewed expression of our collective commitment to the purpose and principles of the Charter.”
India holds a unique place in the history of the United Nations as one of its 50 founding members. On June 25, 1945, A. Ramaswami Mudaliar, who led India’s delegation, signed the original UN Charter in San Francisco, even before the country gained independence from British rule.
India’s participation in the founding of the United Nations reflected its early commitment to multilateralism, international cooperation and global peace.
In a note issued ahead of this year’s commemoration, the Office of the President of the General Assembly underlined the importance of reaffirming support for the Charter at a time when the United Nations is facing growing political and financial pressures.
The note stated that more than eight decades after the Charter was signed, the organisation stands at a critical juncture, facing challenges that require renewed commitment from member states.
-IANS
