The Indian flag has been ordained at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) stakeout in a ceremony marking the beginning 2-year term of New Delhi as a non-permanent member of the top UN body. Monday marked the first working day at the UN, with the term starting on January 1, 2021.

Addressing the ceremony, India’s envoy to United Nations TS Tirumurti said, that “India will be a strong voice for the developing world” and will use its “tenure to bring human-centric and inclusive solutions to matters of international peace and security.”

“India comes into the Security Council as the largest democracy representing 1/6th of humanity” and with a “strong commitment” to “reformed multilateralism, rule of law, a fair and equitable international system and to peace, security and development,” he quoted.

This is the 8th term of India’s membership at the UNSC. Along with India–Ireland, Kenya, Mexico, and Norway also began 2-year term at the body. India will be the UNSC President in August 2021 and will preside over the council again for a month in 2022. The presidency of the council is held by each of the members in turn for one month. The tradition of the flag installation ceremony was introduced by Kazakhstan in 2018.

French Ambassador to India Emmanuel Lenain welcomed India’s eighth tenure at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for two years starting from January 1, 2021. In a statement on Twitter, Lenain not only said that “France welcomes India” but also vouched for India to get a “permanent seat” at the UNSC. French Ambassador to India also expressed eagerness to work alongside India to counter the challenges including terrorism.

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