(Image source from: indiatoday.in)

For the first time, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair an open debate at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) today. As per the reports from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the meeting is scheduled through a video conferencing at 5:30 PM IST. Narendra Modi will be the first Prime Minister to chair UN Security Council and the debate will take place on maritime security, UN peacekeeping and counter-terrorism. India is a non-permanent member and will be given the rotational presidency of the top world body for August. Several resolutions are passed by the UN Security Council on maritime security, crime and this is the first time there would be a debate on maritime security.

The debate is titled ‘Enhancing Maritime Security -A Case for International Cooperation’ and it will be broadcasted live on the United Nations Security Council website. Several heads and government members of various countries will attend United Nations Security Council meeting. Russian President Vladimir Putin, Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix- Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken are expected to join the debate. In 2015, Narendra Modi announced Security and Growth for all in the Region (SAGAR). It is focused on the sustainable use of the oceans.

Another meeting was called last week under India's Presidency on the situation in Afghanistan and the deteriorating situation. Pakistan expressed its displeasure after the country did not receive the invitation to the meeting. Munir Akram, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN said that they made a formal request for the participation and it was denied.

By Siva Kumar