India Champions Global Solidarity on Humanitarian Values: Anurag Singh Thakur

Geneva, Switzerland | October 23, 2025:

Former Union Minister and Member of Parliament from Hamirpur, as well as Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Coal, Mines & Steel, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, addressed the 151st Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. Speaking on the theme “Upholding Humanitarian Norms and Supporting Humanitarian Action in Times of Crisis,” he reiterated India’s unwavering commitment to the core humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence.

Representing India’s parliamentary voice before delegates from over 170 countries, Shri Thakur emphasized that India’s humanitarian engagement is guided by sovereignty, non-interference, and moral responsibility. He called upon all parliamentarians to rise above geopolitical divisions, unite for the dignity of all human beings, and strengthen collective action to protect the vulnerable.

Highlighting the growing global challenges of conflicts, disasters, and declining multilateral cooperation, he cautioned against the shrinking humanitarian funding space. He urged comprehensive reforms in multilateral institutions to make them more inclusive and representative, especially of the Global South, and appealed for greater support to the UN humanitarian assistance system to ensure timely and principled aid delivery.

Recalling India’s long-standing contribution to international peace and security, Shri Thakur mentioned that India has deployed over 200,000 personnel in 49 UN peacekeeping missions. He also cited India’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, when under the Vaccine Maitri initiative, the country supplied over 301 million vaccine doses to more than 100 nations and UN agencies.

He further spoke about India’s robust legal and institutional framework for disaster preparedness and response, including the Disaster Management Act (2005), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) with over 16,000 trained personnel, and innovative funding mechanisms like the National and State Disaster Risk Management Funds and CSR-based partnerships.

Concluding his address, Shri Thakur affirmed that India’s participation in the 151st IPU Assembly reflects its civilizational values and modern commitment to global solidarity, embodying the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas.”