As India took over the presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), a senior diplomat said the stint would give the country an opportunity to play an important role yet again in shaping some of the important challenges on international peace and security.

India’s permanent ambassador to the UN TS Tirumurti said there are three major areas on which focus would remain in August -- maritime security, peacekeeping and counter-terrorism.

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“Conflicts have increased in Covid times, putting considerable pressure on UN peacekeepers and resources. In this scenario, India's priority in the UN, particularly in the UNSC, has a very clear focus on issues that are directly relevant to the international community,”

“For example international terrorism, peacekeeping, enhancing international peace and security, sensitivity to developing country issues especially Africa and small states, reformed multilateralism, and furthering the agenda of women and human-centric development,” the ambassador.

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Speaking about India’s agenda for August that it can decide on as part of the rotating presidency, focus will be on the themes of maritime security, peacekeeping, and counter-terrorism and preside over three high-level signature events on these issues.