New Delhi:
Speaking about India’s right to be treated as equals, in a session titled ‘Geopolitical Turmoil: Emerging Powers vs. Existing Powers’, former Permanent Representative to the UN Syed Akbaruddin said at NDTV’s World Summit on Monday that, “This drive to be treated equally in a changing world is simply an extension of our movement for independence.”
He said that since India has gained political independence and is economically self-sufficient, the world should treat India equally at a table where the latter’s voice is not heard.
He gave the example of a smartphone that updates its software with the push of a button. He said that “We are not saying that the international system should be so fast, but it is time for the international system to change.”
Responding to this, Dr. Philipp Ackermann, Ambassador of Germany to India and Bhutan, said that India has achieved a high level on the international stage and should not ask equal questions. He added: “The American president is coming, the German chancellor is coming, they are looking for the wisdom and ideas of the prime minister. India is now treated as an equal partner.”
As a footnote, Mr. Ackermann also stated that although the P5 says the Security Council should be bigger, no one has any intention of triggering it, “they are very comfortable in their little club of 5,” he said. “India, Germany, Brazil and Japan belong to this table. We have to keep fighting.”
Talking about what role India should play in climate change, Mr. Akbaruddin said that the climate transition is difficult and complex for India and that developed nations should show more understanding towards the needs of developing countries. Continuing on the theme of restoring order, he said, “We’ve seen lone rangers do well at times, but the big problems of the time require partnerships.”
He was of the view that the challenges will be in climate, artificial intelligence, space and others, which by definition are cross-border and countries will have to work to find solutions for this and it will be through partnerships, not lone rangers.
