Ensure subnational provinces rich in resources have equitable share to avoid internal instability: Indian Envoy at UNSC
New York, July 23
India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, called on States to ensure that subnational provinces rich in resources such as rare earth and precious metals have an "equitable and just share" in the benefits to avoid "internal instability" and said that India supports strengthening international cooperation to combat the illicit exploitation of natural resources.
The remarks were made at the High-Level Open Debate of the UN Security Council on Natural Resources Governance: the Foundation of Peace, Security and Prosperity.
"At the same time, it is the responsibility of States to ensure that subnational provinces that are rich in resources, like oil and gas, minerals, rare earths and precious metals, and provide the basis of sustenance for local communities, have an equitable and just share in the benefits derived from these resources, in order to avoid internal instability and insecurity, not just within such countries, but also in the wider region. The consequences of not doing so are clearly visible, including in our own region," Envoy Harish said.
He also called on countries to ensure that natural resources become drivers of sustainable development while abiding by the principles of the Charter of the UN.
"India therefore supports strengthening international cooperation to combat the illicit exploitation of natural resources, promote responsible and resilient supply chains, and assist countries in building governance capacities, where requested. While fully respecting the purposes and principles of the Charter of the UN, our collective objective should be to enable natural resources to become drivers of sustainable development, shared prosperity and lasting peace, so that no one is left behind," Envoy Harish said.
Envoy Harish noted that resource-rich provinces that lack development turn into hotbeds of insecurity, which in turn attract "resource extraction by external actors".
"Provinces that are resource-rich but development poor become centres of insecurity that radiate instability beyond their borders, even into neighbouring countries. Further, this instability also attracts transborder interventions and resource extraction by external actors, which further exacerbates grievances of local communities and fuels instability. A heavy-handed and securitised approach to governance of resource-rich provinces only makes matters worse," he said in his speech.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Very insightful speech by Ambassador Harish. The point about "resource extraction by external actors" is particularly relevant - we've seen how multinational corporations often exploit loopholes and take advantage of instability in resource-rich regions. India is right to push for stronger international cooperation and governance frameworks. But we also need to look inward and ensure our own states like Assam and Arunachal Pradesh benefit fairly from their oil and mineral wealth.
Finally someone said it on a global platform! The issue of "resource-rich but development-poor" provinces is very real in India. Take the example of Singrauli in MP - coal mines everywhere but the local villages still don't have 24x7 electricity. Make it make sense! 🤷♂️ If we don't address these disparities, we'll keep seeing unrest and instability. Good that India is taking a lead on this at the UN.
This is a crucial point that often gets overlooked in geopolitics. The idea that "a heavy-handed and securitised approach" only makes things worse is something our security forces have been saying for years about the Left Wing Extremism affected areas. Military solutions alone won't work - we need development, fair sharing of mining revenues, and local community empowerment. Hope this translates into concrete UN policy recommendations.
As someone who works in international development, I find India's stance here very commendable. The link between natural resource governance and peace/security is often underappreciated. But I do hope India also applies these same principles to its own domestic policies - especially in regions like the Northeast where resource extraction has sometimes come at the cost of local livelihoods and forest rights. 🌏
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