India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, has expressed optimism following the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Gaza, along with the release of hostages.
During the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Quarterly Open Debate on January 24, 2025, he welcomed the deal and stressed that it should pave the way for the safe and continuous delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
In the first quarterly Open Debate on the subject in 2025, Ambassador Harish highlighted India’s long-standing advocacy for a ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian aid, and the release of all hostages, reiterating that these measures are vital for peace. He lamented the devastation and loss of life over the past 16 months of conflict, and expressed hope that the ceasefire would reduce the suffering of both the hostages and the people of Gaza.
“India has been categorical and consistent in its position. Conflict does not offer any solutions. The need for release of hostages, continued flow of humanitarian aid, and a ceasefire is more dire than ever,” he added. “It is our hope that the parties concerned would seize the opportunity offered by ceasefire and resort to dialogue and diplomacy for a sustainable and durable solution to the current conflict.”
Additionally, the Ambassador emphasized India’s unwavering support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), highlighting the critical role the organization plays in providing relief to the people of Gaza. He also expressed concern about the recent restrictions on UNRWA’s operations.
He also strongly condemned the terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas on October 7, 2023, reaffirming that terrorism and hostage-taking have no justification. India continues to support the people of Palestine and remains committed to the “two-state solution,” with the establishment of a sovereign and independent State of Palestine alongside Israel.
“India was among the first countries to recognize the State of Palestine in 1988. We remain committed to a two-State solution,” he concluded.
UNSC Open Debate on Africa-led Development
On January 24, 2024, Ambassador Harish addressed the UNSC Open Debate on “African-led Development-focused Counter-terrorism: Strengthening African Leadership and Implementation of Counter-terrorism Initiatives.”
During his remarks, he expressed serious concerns about the growing expansion of terrorist activities across Africa in recent years. Drawing on UN Secretary-General reports and statements from Member States, he emphasized the link between terrorist groups and transnational criminal networks that fund their operations through illicit activities, including drug trafficking, illegal mining, kidnapping for ransom, piracy, and cryptocurrency.
Ambassador Harish reaffirmed India’s long-standing support for Africa’s counter-terrorism efforts, stating, “Through our participation in UN peacekeeping missions in Congo, Sudan, and Somalia, and our India-Africa Defense Ministers’ Meeting, we have focused on counter-terrorism and capacity-building.”
Through Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation, he mentioned that India has been partnering with African security personnel on training and to strengthen peacekeeping efforts in Africa.
He also highlighted India’s proactive role in strengthening the capacities of African states in countering terrorism. Since 2018, India has been a key contributor to UNOCT’s programs aimed at building capacity in East and Southern Africa, focusing on border management and countering terrorism financing, he added.
Reflecting on India’s unwavering support for the African Union (AU), he recalled India’s role in facilitating the AU’s inclusion as a permanent member of the G20 during India’s Presidency in 2023. He also quoted India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who emphasized in his 2018 address to the Ugandan Parliament: “As global engagement in Africa increases, we must all work together to ensure that Africa does not once again turn into a theatre of rival ambitions, but becomes a nursery for the aspirations of Africa’s youth.”
Having been a victim of cross-border terrorism for over three decades, he noted India fully understands the human cost of terrorism and its lasting impact on victims and their families. Ambassador Harish reaffirmed India’s commitment to support the African people in their fight against terrorism.
In his remarks, he pointed out several critical issues for the Council’s consideration: The serious terrorist threat in Africa is not isolated. Its repercussions affect the entire world, necessitating a united stand against it; Terrorist groups exploit emerging technologies to spread propaganda, transfer funds, and raise finances; A strict zero-tolerance policy must be adopted against terrorism, with no room for double standards; and to promote lasting peace and sustainable development, it is essential to adhere to key peacebuilding principles and prevent conflict relapse in Africa.