How the India-UN Development Partnership Fund is Transforming Lives in the Global South

The India-UN Development Partnership Fund is making significant strides in supporting countries in the Global South. Recently, representatives from various nations gathered at the UN to celebrate the fund's impact, highlighting its commitment to addressing national priorities and fostering sustainable development. With a pledge of $150 million, India aims to assist the least developed and landlocked countries, showcasing its dedication to global cooperation. This article delves into the insights shared by ambassadors from different nations, emphasizing the importance of tailored development initiatives and the shared vision for a better future.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 24, 2026, 12:19 IST

India's Commitment to Global Development

United Nations: Representatives from various nations have praised the significant impact of the India-UN Development Partnership Fund, as India reiterated its dedication to sharing its development experiences and aiding countries in the Global South.

The Permanent Mission of India to the UN organized the 9th Annual Event for the India-UN Development Partnership Fund at the UN headquarters, attended by a delegation of Members of Parliament.

India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, expressed appreciation for the ongoing support from the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation.

Harish shared, "We have heard inspiring stories from the ground about the positive effects of these projects. India is committed to sharing its development experiences and extending friendship and support to our partners in the Global South."

He highlighted that in 2017, the Indian government pledged $150 million to assist the Global South in achieving their development objectives.

He emphasized that the core principle of this initiative is to ensure that projects are driven by national priorities and tailored to the specific needs of host countries.

India's approach to development cooperation is deeply rooted in the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which means the world is one family.

The India-UN Fund embodies this belief by aligning the priorities of developing nations with India's commitment to South-South cooperation and the expertise of the United Nations on the ground. The fundamental principle is that partner countries define their own development goals.

This Fund specifically aims to support Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States, reflecting India's resolve to assist those facing significant development challenges.

Currently, India has allocated approximately $82 million, which has facilitated 94 projects across 64 member states.

During the event, several UN ambassadors, particularly from the Global South, emphasized the positive outcomes of the fund and the projects benefiting from India's support.

Ambassador Jayantha Jayasuriya, Sri Lanka's Permanent Representative to the UN, noted that the "India-UN Fund addresses diverse thematic areas, responding to needs identified by the countries themselves... its fundamental philosophy is that respect for national priorities is crucial."

Ambassador Philbert Aaron, Permanent Representative of Dominica, expressed gratitude for the generous resources allocated to projects in the Commonwealth of Dominica.

He remarked, "The identity of the Kalinago indigenous people benefiting from this project is significant. Our President, the first female leader from the indigenous community, has acknowledged the importance of this generous grant from India in enhancing our community's livelihoods."

Cuban Ambassador Ernesto Soberon Guzman stated that in an increasingly unjust global landscape, "the India-UN Fund's form of cooperation is more essential than ever to address structural inequalities and amplify the collective voice of the Global South."

He added that India's leadership in the Global South exemplifies the strength of partnerships founded on equality, mutual respect, and shared aspirations for sustainable development.

Timor-Leste's Permanent Representative, Ambassador Dionisio Da Costa Babo Soares, remarked that the India-UN Fund has become a vital symbol of solidarity among developing nations.

"For us, this approach is particularly meaningful as we have directly benefited from this cooperation. Our experience with the Fund illustrates how South-South Cooperation can turn shared commitments into tangible opportunities for our people, especially the youth," Soares stated.

Mozambique's Ambassador Domingos Estevao Fernandes highlighted that the Fund serves as a concrete example of South-South cooperation based on national priorities, equality, and non-interference, complementing North-South cooperation.

"Mozambique commends India's leadership in promoting South-South cooperation and partnerships," Fernandes added.

Tanzania's Ambassador Togolani Edriss Mavura expressed sincere appreciation to India and the India-UN Fund for their ongoing support for sustainable development in Tanzania.

Tuvalu's Permanent Representative, Ambassador Tapugao Falefou, mentioned that Indian investments will significantly benefit numerous schools and institutions.

This project exemplifies the importance of development that is responsive to national priorities and local needs.

"Tuvalu remains profoundly grateful for the Government of India's development assistance," Falefou stated.

Saint Lucia's UN envoy, Ambassador Menissa Rambally, explained that the Fund serves multiple purposes, facilitating economic and social development across countries in the Global majority. Its critical role is a hallmark of excellence in capacity building within the Global majority.

"The support provided by the India-UN Fund is crucial as countries strive to tackle challenges in various areas of economic and social development," Rambally concluded.