India-Switzerland: Bridge-Building The World – OpEd
By Patial RC
2023 will see India playing the Presidency role for the G20 and Switzerland will act as a non-permanent member of the 15-member Security Council for two years from January 2023 onwards. Both the peace loving nations should come together to help restore the ‘Global Peace and United Nations Credibility’. Both countries have a history of providing mediation in conflicts. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is widely seen as a violation of international law and of the UN Charter. There are also many other violations of international law around the world. It is an opportunity for the Indian and Swiss leadership if wise visionary wisdom prevails to initiate a Peace dialogue to end the Ukraine war through the UN.
The world is moving toward more chaos with nations not abiding with the international law and the UN failing to exercise its authority. Risks of outbreak of new conflicts, Covid-19 pandemic, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, the sky rocketing inflation and an energy crisis continue to threaten the world peace.
Indian Assets: “One Earth-One Family-One Future”
The theme of India’s G20 Presidency-“Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” a Sanskrit phrase meaning “The World is One Family” Or “One Earth-One Family-One Future” – is drawn from the ancient Sanskrit text of the Maha Upanishad. Essentially, the theme affirms the value of all life and their interconnectedness on the planet Earth. The logo and the theme together convey a powerful message of India’s G20 Presidency, which is of striving for just and equitable growth for all in the world, as the world navigates through these turbulent times.
‘Unity in Diversity’ is one of the most powerful thoughts India has given to the world. From time immemorial, Indians have never felt the need to bring about uniformity among people as people of diverse religions, cultures and castes have been living together for many centuries. This certainly shows the intense tolerance and unity of the Indian people. Hence, India is a country that perfectly demonstrates Unity in Diversity and this thought need to be followed by the world for the Global peace. According to Swami Vivekananda, it was India’s religion that “taught the world both tolerance and universal acceptance”.
Swiss Assets:
- A credible track record which is recognised by the international community in the field of good offices and humanitarian work.
- History of neutrality and “accessibility” to parties in conflict and a high-quality of capable diplomatic corps.
- Recognised champion of international law, as the host of the Geneva Conventions.
What UN Reforms Can Be Undertaken
- Increase the membership of the existing five permanent members of the Security Council (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States). Need to have minimum 9 permanent members and resolutions to be passed or blocked with minimum 6 member support.
- Need to change rules on Veto powers as they are ruining the charter of the Security Council and have totally paralysed it. Veto power could be removed or limited. Presently a single Veto is adequate to block a resolution. Ukraine war has witnessed the total failure of the UN as it is unable to take any decisions because of the single veto power. This step may strengthen the international law.
- A “Code of Conduct regarding action against genocide, crimes against humanity, terrorism and war crimes”.
The General Assembly does not have binding powers like the Security Council, but it includes all 193 UN member states and carries moral authority. However, this has not stopped some of the permanent members using their veto powers against proposed resolutions.
Though Switzerland’s natural affinity is with the Western bloc, whereas at present one may conclude that India is with Asia but it is still following an independent policy in the interest of the country. However, both countries together are capable to get whatever blocks in the common interest of the global peace.
Chance for Initiating Global Peace
Indian Prime Minister Modi who has talked of “The Era of No War” has good relations both the Warring Presidents of Russia and Ukraine; Putin and Zelensky. Switzerland has good relationship with China so it is a fertile combination perhaps where bridging between the US led West and the East can start. Russia-Ukraine War has to end at some point of time. I have a strong intuition that the combined efforts of India and Switzerland can initiate the efforts for global peace and bring an early end to this Russia-Ukraine War which has brought misery to the world and partitioned the world into two groups. A neutral Switzerland and India the earlier world leader of the non-aligned world can lead the way forward towards considered negotiated solutions to the ongoing problems at large and resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict earliest. No one else can play this role better of course teaming up along with the UN.
Reference:
How Switzerland Could Help Restore Some UN Credibility – by Julia Crawford
Yes, India and switzerland could bring much desired world order and peace in the next two years. The working and influence of UN has become non functional with no contribution by most member countries. China with no scant for international conventions blatently over rides on its self interest at all cost. Today UN has become a defunct with no role to settle the international disputes and military clashes. The Russo- Ukraine war is on for the past one year or so with UN as a mute spectator.The ideolagies and interests of the nations often clash with no UN role..The UN intervention in these clashes is being negated by the Veto power. TheUN community should get rid of the so called Veto power as it gives enormous power of negation. First the Veto power countries need to be more responsible if their so called power is to be exercised. The need of the hour is to provide teeth to UN and make it capable of handling international flash points. India will certainly bring peace to the Ukraine conflict by directly involving stself with the stake holders.