{"id":6233,"date":"2021-10-18T20:14:22","date_gmt":"2021-10-18T20:14:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/internationaldiplomat.com\/?p=6233"},"modified":"2021-10-18T20:14:22","modified_gmt":"2021-10-18T20:14:22","slug":"india-the-worlds-biggest-democracy-interview-with-his-excellency-mr-indra-mani-pandey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/12h71.com\/?p=6233","title":{"rendered":"India the world\u2019s biggest democracy Interview with His Excellency Mr. Indra Mani\u202fPANDEY"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">India the world\u2019s biggest democracy Interview with His Excellency Mr. Indra Mani\u202fPANDEY<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Q: Your Excellency, could you tell us a little about yourself and how<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"none\">your career evolved so that you ended up in Geneva?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">I joined\u00a0the\u00a0Indian Foreign Service in 1990. After my training, my first posting abroad was\u00a0in\u00a0Cairo in January 1992, where my primary task was to study Arabic. In my diplomatic service of over 30 years, I have served\u00a0at Indian\u2013\u2013\u00a0Missions in\u00a0Damascus, Islamabad and Kabul.\u00a0Later,\u00a0I served as Consul General in Guangzhou (China), as Deputy Ambassador in Paris and as Ambassador in Muscat,\u00a0the\u00a0beautiful capital of the Sultanate of Oman. This is\u00a0my second assignment in Geneva; I was posted in Geneva\u00a0earlier\u00a0from\u00a0September 2003 to December 2006 as Counsellor (Disarmament) and served as\u00a0India\u2019s\u00a0delegate to the Conference on Disarmament.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Q: You have a long and impressive career. Is there any particular<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"none\">place you served that is close to your heart?\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Thanks! It certainly has been a long career. All the places that I have been posted\u00a0to\u00a0presented unique challenges and opportunities\u00a0and\u00a0were great learning and enriching experiences.\u00a0However,\u00a0I always remember very fondly my assignment\u00a0in Kabul. Though it presented very unique challenges, including\u00a0the\u00a0perception of threat to personal security, I feel happy that I was able to contribute,\u00a0in my own small way,\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0reconstruction and rebuilding of Afghanistan, which made\u00a0a\u00a0direct and tangible contribution to the well-being of\u00a0the\u00a0Afghan people.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Q: India\u00a0has commenced 75 weeks long celebration of the 75<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">th<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0anniversary\u00a0of\u00a0its independence, which will culminate in a grand celebration on 15 August 2022. What is the significance of this celebration and how do you assess the achievements of India\u00a0since its independence?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Yes,\u00a0we have commenced, since 12 March 2021, 75-weeks long celebration of the 75<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">th<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Anniversary of India\u2019s independence.\u00a0It\u00a0will be our endeavour to highlight\u00a0key facets of India@75, including\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">various aspects of Indian\u00a0civilization, our diverse society\u00a0and\u00a0unique cultural traditions, our democratic polity and the strides that we have made in development,\u00a0including in science and technology.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">In\u00a0the\u00a0past seven decades, India has emerged as the world&rsquo;s largest democracy; we have nurtured political inclusion and empowerment through our vibrant and participative democracy. We have succeeded in building institutions,\u00a0which have sustained our democratic polity. We have taken democracy to\u00a0the\u00a0grassroots through our local self-governance institutions at the village, block and district levels.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">India has\u00a0also been successful in achieving inclusive and sustainable development. We have emerged as the\u00a0third\u00a0largest economy of the world on\u00a0purchasing power parity\u00a0basis. In\u00a0the\u00a0aftermath of\u00a0the Covid-19 pandemic we set the goal of building a self-reliant India, a country that\u00a0will be engaged with the world\u00a0more\u00a0than\u00a0ever\u00a0through trade and investments and will contribute to\u00a0global growth and development.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559685&quot;:426,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">India\u2019s achievements should be assessed in\u00a0the\u00a0light of\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">the challenges, which we faced at the time of our independence due to two centuries of subjugation and colonial exploitation, and the challenges that we have been facing since due to our geo-strategic environment, the Cold War and contemporary global challenges, such as climate change and terrorism.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559685&quot;:426,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Indian Constitution has enshrined basic human rights as fundamental rights, including the right to religious freedom and education. Would you say that India was ahead of its time?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The makers of India\u2019s Constitution were visionaries who were influenced by the ideals\u00a0that inspired India\u2019s struggle for freedom from colonial rule. They were\u00a0also\u00a0aware of\u00a0the principal elements\u00a0of\u00a0human rights set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Civil and\u00a0political\u00a0rights\u00a0as well as economic, social and\u00a0cultural\u00a0rights\u00a0were\u00a0enshrined\u00a0in\u00a0our Constitution.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">There are several identical features between the fundamental rights\u00a0enshrined\u00a0in\u00a0India\u2019s Constitution and the Universal Declaration of\u00a0Human Rights. For instance, key human rights,\u00a0such as\u00a0equality before law, non-discrimination on grounds of religion, race and sex, freedom of speech and expression, right to life and liberty and judicial remedy against violation of rights\u00a0have all been\u00a0provided\u00a0for\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0Indian Constitution.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:150,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Q: How has the Indian Constitution borne the test of time,<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"none\">particularly in its guarantee of religious freedom?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">As you are aware,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">India is\u00a0a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, multilingual and multicultural country. It is\u00a0home to almost all religions of the world,\u00a0and secularism\u00a0has been\u00a0a fundamental tenet of\u00a0India\u2019s\u00a0Constitution and\u00a0its democratic polity. Equal respect for all religions has been an article of faith for Indian\u00a0civilization\u00a0and society.\u00a0The people\u00a0of India are\u00a0entitled to freedom of conscience and\u00a0enjoy\u00a0the right to freely profess, practice and propagate religion,\u00a0subject only to public order, morality, health and other\u00a0such\u00a0provisions as laid down in the Constitution.\u00a0They\u00a0have the right to conserve their distinct language, script or culture.\u00a0The fact that the number of the followers of various religions in India has\u00a0continued to grow since independence is,\u00a0in itself,\u00a0a testimony that the people of India have been enjoying the freedom of religion or belief guaranteed under\u00a0the\u00a0Indian constitution.\u00a0Our Constitution has served us well, as reflected in the success of our democratic and inclusive polity.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Q: India is currently a member of the United Nations Security Council.\u00a0However, India, has\u00a0also\u00a0been seeking a permanent seat\u00a0at the Council. How\u00a0does India\u2019s current (short-term) membership affect this effort, and\u00a0why is\u00a0it\u00a0so important for India to be a permanent member?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The UN has been in existence for over 75 years now. However, the structure of the UN Security Council is a classic example of the reluctance to reform the architecture of a UN body that is reflective of an outdated geopolitical, post-war\u00a0construct\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a01940s. When the Security Council first met in January 1946,\u00a0only\u00a051\u00a0States were Members of\u00a0the UN. Today,\u00a0there are 193. The world has changed significantly in the last 75 years. The UN, unfortunately, is still stuck in 1945. The leaders of the world came together in 2005 and called for early reform of the Security Council.\u00a0Fifteen\u00a0years have\u00a0since\u00a0passed, but there has been no progress.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If we look at the performance of the UN in the last 75 years, we find that while it has indeed prevented the outbreak of another World War, it has\u00a0failed to adapt itself to new challenges and to\u00a0a\u00a0changing world order. An expansion of the Security Council,\u00a0in both the Permanent and non-Permanent categories,\u00a0is indispensable to\u00a0making\u00a0this body more representative, legitimate and effective. The sad reality is that while the overwhelming majority of UN Member States firmly supports the comprehensive reform of the Security Council, a handful of status-quoists\u00a0have consistently opposed any\u00a0change. An immediate and time-bound text-based negotiation is critical. That\u2019s what we have called for and will continue to pursue. We will be working with like-minded partners and look at options to overcome the obstacles\u00a0in our pursuit of this goal. India is not just a member of the G4,\u00a0it\u00a0is also a core member of the L69, a group of developing countries from Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">India represents the voice of one-sixth of humanity and has always championed the cause of the developing world. As a country that has always believed in dialogue, committed to rule of law and championed a fair and equitable world order, India can offer an alternative voice and vision to global peace and security. Within the Council, India will not only be a bridge-builder,\u00a0but\u00a0our presence will\u00a0also\u00a0bring much-needed credibility and transparency to Council deliberations.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Q: India is the world\u2019s biggest democracy and your country is an<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"none\">active member of the Human Right\u2019s Council. What are your priorities\u00a0in this field,\u00a0generally, and\u00a0for\u00a0this year,\u00a0in particular?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">While India remains committed to upholding\u00a0basic\u00a0human rights\u00a0and their global promotion and protection, we\u00a0have been\u00a0of the view that the human rights agenda must be pursued in a fair manner with objectivity, respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs of States, non-selectivity and transparency.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Our emphasis remains on both promotion, that entails support for capacity building and protection of human rights,\u00a0which is to be pursued through\u00a0dialogue, consultation and consensus-building.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">We also emphasize the primacy of national responsibility and efforts in realization of human rights.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We support the view that\u00a0the Human Right\u2019s Council\u00a0should adhere to its mandate, established rules of procedure and standard practices.\u00a0We\u00a0have\u00a0highlighted\u00a0the importance of cooperation with Member States, upon request, through capacity building,\u00a0technical\u00a0cooperation and financial assistance.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We advocate<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0a holistic and integrated approach that emphasizes the interdependence, interrelatedness, indivisibility and universality of human rights.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In order to\u00a0restore\u00a0the\u00a0balance between political and civil rights vis-\u00e0-vis economic, social and cultural rights, India has been emphasizing the full and effective enjoyment of economic and social rights and the Right to Development.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">India\u00a0has\u00a0affirmed\u00a0the interrelationship between development, human rights,\u00a0democracy,\u00a0and international cooperation.\u00a0As\u00a0a member of\u00a0the Human Rights Council, we\u00a0aim to bring in\u00a0a\u00a0pluralistic,\u00a0moderate\u00a0and balanced perspective to straddle various divides or differences that exist in the\u00a0Council.\u00a0Our democratic credentials, multi-ethnic, multi-religious, multilingual and multicultural nature makes us an ideal\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">country to adopt this approach.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The human rights agenda continues to face severe challenges, most of all from terrorism. The ongoing pandemic<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0has\u00a0aggravated the challenges faced by the countries in\u00a0implementing\u00a0their human rights obligations.\u00a0At the same time,\u00a0the Council, like other\u00a0multilateral institutions and mechanisms,\u00a0needs\u00a0to be reformed to be able to deal with the\u00a0contemporary challenges\u00a0effectively.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Q: We are living in quite usual times, when a virus causing Covid-19 is\u00a0changing our lives. How is the situation today in your country in<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"none\">these pandemic times?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The pandemic has caused unforeseen disruptions and has posed enormous and unprecedented socio-economic challenges. No country has remained untouched.\u00a0India is passing through a severe second wave of infection.\u00a0\u00a0As of 3 May 2021, India had 3.41 million active cases, which has strained the country\u2019s health infrastructure and services. While 16.29 million had recovered,\u00a0219,000 people\u00a0had died. By this date, 157 million doses of vaccines had been administered.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">India\u2019s\u00a0Covid-19 strategy\u00a0has been\u00a0based on the mantra\u00a0of\u00a0\u2018Jaan\u00a0bhi, Jahan\u00a0bhi\u2019\u00a0\u2013\u00a0saving lives as well as livelihoods. Continuing on the path to ramping up our capacities, securing the needs of poorest citizens and future proofing our society, India was among the first few countries\u00a0in enforcing\u00a0a responsive system of lockdowns\u00a0and\u00a0in launching public awareness campaigns about social distancing and\u00a0the\u00a0use of face masks. We have been able to upscale our health infrastructure, including\u00a0Covid\u00a0hospitals, ICU capacities and testing facilities.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Further, fulfilling the basic needs and welfare of the most vulnerable\u00a0sections\u00a0of our society has been our top priority.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">India has always been in the forefront when it comes to global cooperation,\u00a0and as always, India played a pivotal role\u00a0through\u00a0supply of essential medicines, test kits\u00a0and\u00a0protection gear to over 150 countries, mostly as grants.\u00a0We have\u00a0supplied around 66 million doses of vaccines to around 80 countries.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Q: We have heard about the farmers\u2019 strike in India. Could you tell us\u00a0about it and what the situation is now?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Government of India has set the goal of doubling the income of farmers by 2022 and the reforms carried out through three Farm Acts, passed by\u00a0the\u00a0Indian Parliament in 2020.\u00a0There has been debate within India on the need for carrying out reforms in the mechanisms and institutions for\u00a0the\u00a0marketing of\u00a0agro-produce since the beginning of economic reforms in India\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a01990s.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The three Farm Acts were passed by the Parliament of India, after protracted debates both inside and outside Parliament, with the\u00a0sole purpose of creating\u00a0a conducive environment for farmers to\u00a0realize\u00a0better prices\u00a0for their produce and,\u00a0thereby,\u00a0enhance their income and lead a better life.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">n line with India\u2019s well entrenched democratic traditions, including resolution of differences through dialogue and discussion, the Government has shown utmost respect for protest by\u00a0some\u00a0farmers, which is limited to a\u00a0few\u00a0States\u00a0in\u00a0India.\u00a0The Government has remained engaged in dialogue with the\u00a0organizations\u00a0representing\u00a0protesting\u00a0farmers in order to find a mutually acceptable solution. It has offered clause-by clause discussion over the three Farm Acts.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Supreme Court of India has been seized with the issue and has ordered that the implementation of the three Farm Acts be kept in abeyance, which has been accepted by the Government. The Supreme Court has constituted a Committee to look into the grievances of farmers. The Government has repeatedly assured farmers that the existing system of public procurement at minimum support price and operation of\u00a0government-regulated agricultural markets\u00a0will continue.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Government has reiterated its commitment to engage the organizations,\u00a0representing farmers in dialogue and\u00a0suspend\u00a0the implementation of the\u00a0three\u00a0Farm Acts\u00a0following\u00a0the orders of the Supreme Court. The two Houses of Parliament\u00a0have been\u00a0seized of the matter\u00a0and have\u00a0been\u00a0engaged in debate over the issues raised by\u00a0the\u00a0farmers.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Q: Beyond the Human Rights Council, what are the priorities for India\u00a0in the international\u00a0organizations\u00a0in Geneva?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Covid-19 pandemic has\u00a0exposed\u00a0the global\u00a0unpreparedness to handle pandemics of this\u00a0scale and\u00a0nature. Health Diplomacy\u00a0has come to occupy an important role in\u00a0multilateral diplomacy.\u00a0We believe that the World Health\u00a0Organization\u00a0(WHO), which has been making significant contribution in\u00a0international cooperation\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0health sector, including\u00a0technical assistance\u00a0and capacity building, must be reformed,\u00a0strengthened\u00a0and\u00a0better equipped and financed to assist\u00a0Member\u00a0States in dealing with\u00a0health emergencies like pandemics.\u00a0India\u00a0has been\u00a0actively\u00a0engaged\u00a0with the\u00a0WHO<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">as well as\u00a0other health-related organizations\u00a0in Geneva,\u00a0like GAVI.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">As\u00a0the\u00a0Chair of the Executive Board of WHO,\u00a0we have ensured\u00a0that the necessary guidance is provided to the WHO.\u00a0We continue to\u00a0engage with all the stakeholders in the ongoing\u00a0process of\u00a0strengthening and reforming\u00a0WHO.\u00a0We have\u00a0presented a\u00a0detailed\u00a0memoir\u00a0to\u00a0the Independent Panel on Pandemic Preparedness and Response and shared our experiences with them.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">India has a permanent seat\u00a0at\u00a0the Governing Board of ILO and our priority\u00a0has been\u00a0to make the ILO Supervisory structures and processes\u00a0more transparent, fair and\u00a0democratic.\u00a0India is also the current Chair of the Governing Body of ILO,\u00a0which\u00a0has placed\u00a0us in\u00a0a\u00a0position to steer the ongoing process\u00a0to\u00a0achieve these objectives in coordination with\u00a0other\u00a0stakeholders.\u00a0We believe that\u00a0ILO\u00a0should\u00a0play an important role in providing technical guidance and necessary support during the post-pandemic phase of socio-economic recovery and\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">rebuilding.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">India and ITU maintain excellent bilateral multilateral cooperation. India has been a member of ITU since its inception and is currently serving as an elected member of ITU\u2019s Governing Council during the 2019-2022 term. As a specialized agency of the UN, ITU sets the regulatory framework for telecom and other relevant technologies. India has been actively participating in the discussions in expert groups to frame global standards for application of various technologies. Our \u00ab\u00a0Digital India Programme\u00a0\u00bb closely aligns with ITU\u2019s objectives and policies. It seeks to transform India into a digitally empowered society by ensuring robust ICT infrastructure and Internet connectivity. India\u2019s indigenous 5G mobile technology has been accepted by ITU as a part of\u00a0\u00a0the International Mobile Telecommunication (IMT 2020) global standards. It significantly brings down the cost of 5G mobile services, making it suitable for use in rural areas where around 60 per cent of India&rsquo;s population resides. It will help in bridging the digital divide and promote digital inclusion.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">India will be hosting the \u201cWorld Telecommunication standardization Assembly\u201d (WTSA-2022) at Hyderabad from 28 February to 11 March 2022. The WTSA is held every four years and sets international standards for information and communication technologies.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">India has endeavoured to emerge as the global hub for innovation and, as a part of its goal of creating an appropriate ecosystem for innovation, India has focused on improving the structures and processes for implementation of its intellectual property obligations. In realizing this goal, India\u00a0has been working closely with the World Intellectual Property\u00a0Organization\u00a0(WIPO)\u00a0and\u00a0will\u00a0strengthen\u00a0its engagement with WIPO\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0future.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">India will also continue to engage intensively with UNCTAD\u00a0with a view to\u00a0maximizing the economic opportunities and benefits for developing\u00a0countries and ensuring the success of\u00a0the\u00a015<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">th<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Ministerial Conference of\u00a0UNCTAD later this year\u00a0in Barbados.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Q: Can you tell us how your country reconciles tradition and<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"none\">modernization with the development of technology?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">India is an example of continuity with change. The ancient Indian civilizational traditions, ethos and values continue to co-exist alongside modern values and traditions. Historically, India has been exposed to external religious, cultural and other influences and has shown its unique capacity to assimilate and integrate them, while maintaining its own traditions and values. Since independence, Indian society has become more inclusive, integrated and progressive. It has adapted to modern values and ethos while continuing with its several millennia old religious and cultural traditions. Indians have adjusted to new ways of living their lives, using modern technologies without upending the traditional ways of\u00a0\u00a0living. A digital transformation of Indian society is underway.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Q: Finally, your Excellency, is there\u00a0any\u00a0one\u00a0UN\u00a0organization\u00a0in Geneva\u00a0that you have a special interest in, personally?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">India, which is the world\u2019s second most populated country, has the second largest workforce of the world. Over 15 million Indians also live and work in various countries. I have been closely interacting with\u00a0the\u00a0International Labour Organization (ILO) with a view to promoting\u00a0the welfare of India\u2019s large workforce.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0Edit and photos : Sanjay Acharya<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">***<\/span><br \/>\n<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:2,&quot;335551620&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-6259 aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/internationaldiplomat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/indramanipandeyIndia-300x177.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"177\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>India the world\u2019s biggest democracy Interview with His Excellency Mr. Indra Mani\u202fPANDEY Q: Your Excellency, could you tell us a little about yourself and how your career evolved so that you ended up in Geneva?\u00a0 I joined\u00a0the\u00a0Indian Foreign Service in 1990. After my training, my first posting abroad was\u00a0in\u00a0Cairo in January 1992, where my primary<br \/><a class=\"moretag\" href=\"https:\/\/12h71.com\/?p=6233\">+ Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":6258,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[539,548],"tags":[941,1143,3325,5291,4311],"class_list":["post-6233","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-english","category-international-diplomat","tag-democracy","tag-geneva","tag-indian","tag-indra-mani-pandey","tag-sanjay-acharya"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/12h71.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6233","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/12h71.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/12h71.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/12h71.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/12h71.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6233"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/12h71.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6233\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/12h71.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/12h71.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6233"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/12h71.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6233"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/12h71.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6233"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}