General statement by India at the 2025 ECOSOC Humanitarian Affairs Segment, Room XIX, Palais des Nations, delivered by Mr. Mohammed Hussain K.S., Counsellor & Legal Adviser, Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations Geneva on 20 June 2025

Madam President,

1. At the outset, Indian delegation congratulates you on your leadership in guiding the 2025 ECOSOC Humanitarian Affairs Segment.
2. We thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report, which provides a sobering assessment of the state of humanitarian affairs. As pointed out in the report, the year 2024 was particularly devastating — marked by a surge in humanitarian crises that pushed the global response system to its limits. It was also the deadliest year on record for humanitarian workers and, alarmingly, the warmest year ever recorded. These trends underscore the urgent need for decisive and coordinated action.
3. Despite these challenges, it is heartening to note from the Secretary-General’s report that the United Nations and its humanitarian partners reached nearly 116 million people through UN-coordinated responses - a commendable achievement. The report has further deepened our understanding of critical issues that merit the Council’s continued attention and action.
4. The scale and magnitude of recent, unprecedented natural disasters — coupled with complex and protracted emergencies — have not only strained the humanitarian architecture but also significantly disrupted progress toward the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.
5. In this context, India reaffirms its deep appreciation for the United Nations' coordination capacities, particularly through the Emergency Relief Coordinator and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Madam President,

6. India remains steadfast in upholding the core humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence. The provision of humanitarian assistance must be aligned with the principles enshrined in General Assembly Resolution 46/182. These principles highlight the need to fully respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national unity of States. Assistance should be extended with the consent of the affected country and, in principle, based on an appeal by that country.
7. India is deeply concerned by the growing number of attacks on humanitarian personnel and the increasing risks faced by humanitarian actors in conflict zones. We strongly condemn such acts and reiterate the need to ensure their safety and protection.
8. In an interconnected world, every nation brings unique capabilities, resources, and experiences. Harnessing these strengths through partnerships and multilateral cooperation will amplify our collective ability to respond to crises. The United Nations must give high priority to mechanisms that facilitate the sharing of best practices, build local capacities, and promote resilience.

Madam President,

9. India has consistently demonstrated its commitment to humanitarian assistance, particularly to fellow developing countries. Whether through our Vaccine Maitri initiative, which delivered COVID-19 vaccines to more than 100 countries, or through our rapid response to natural disasters in several countries, India has always been among the first to act.
10. India’s humanitarian outreach is guided by the ancient civilizational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — "the world is one family." Our Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations reflect both our capabilities and our sense of responsibility.
11. India’s initiative to promote disaster-resilient infrastructure through the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) continues to gain international support, and we welcome the growing number of countries endorsing the CDRI Charter.
12. In conclusion, Madam President, India reiterates its unwavering commitment to working with all actors to ensure an effective and principled response to the world’s humanitarian challenges.

Thank you.