India’s Intervention on Promotion of the Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy and responsible business conduct, (GB.356/POL/5), during the ongoing 356th session of ILO GB, made by Mr Prashant Baijal, Joint Director, Ministry of Labour and Employment India’s Intervention on Promotion of the Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinati..

India’s Intervention on Promotion of the Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy and responsible business conduct, (GB.356/POL/5), during the ongoing 356th session of ILO GB, made by Mr Prashant Baijal, Joint Director, Ministry of Labour and Employment

India’s Intervention on Promotion of the Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy and responsible business conduct.

(GB.356/POL/5)

Chair, Distinguished Delegates,

India appreciates the efforts made by the office for promotion of the Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy (MNE Declaration). We recognize the important role of this instrument in encouraging multinational enterprises to contribute positively to economic and social progress while advancing the goal of decent work for all.

The voluntary nature of the guidelines enhances their effectiveness by encouraging enterprises to adopt responsible and ethical practices in a flexible and context-sensitive manner. This approach promotes decent work and respect for labour standards while preserving innovation and economic dynamism, fostering a balanced environment where business growth and social progress advance together.

We also note the progress made in strengthening the operational tools of the Declaration, including the ILO Helpdesk for Business, described in paragraph 12, which provides useful guidance to enterprises on international labour standards and responsible business conduct.

India has been actively associated with international efforts to advance responsible business practices and constructively contributing to the Global Coalition for Social Justice by championing initiatives that encourage enterprises to contribute to social justice, sustainable development and quality job creation.

India has also made significant progress in building a robust framework for building responsible enterprises through initiatives such as the National Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct and Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting framework.

In conclusion, India recognizes the continued promotion of the MNE Declaration as a useful instrument for advancing ethical and sustainable business practices and decent work and looks forward to continued engagement in these efforts through multilateral cooperation.

Thank you.