Liechtenstein Backs India’s UNSC Bid, Slams Pahalgam Terror Attack
Liechtenstein supports India's bid for a UN Security Council seat and condemns the Pahalgam terror attack in a joint statement.
In a significant diplomatic boost, Liechtenstein has officially communicated its willingness to support India’s UNSC bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2028-29 term. This development came to light during a high-level State Visit by Liechtenstein’s Acting Head of State, Hereditary Prince Alois, to New Delhi.
The two nations solidified their partnership through a comprehensive Joint Statement released on Tuesday, which highlighted a shared commitment to global security, institutional reform, and economic cooperation.
United Against Terror: Condemning the Pahalgam Attack
A central pillar of the discussions was the unwavering stance against violent extremism. Both India and Liechtenstein unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its manifestations, with a specific and stern focus on cross-border terrorism.
The Joint Statement explicitly condemned the terror attack that struck Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025. Expressing deep solidarity with the victims and their grieving families, both nations emphasized the absolute necessity of bringing the perpetrators of the attack to justice.
Beyond the immediate condemnation of violence, the two governments underscored the critical need for global collaboration to dismantle the financial networks that fuel terrorist activities.
Pushing for a More Democratic UN
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his gratitude to Hereditary Prince Alois for the principality's readiness to support India's candidacy for the UN Security Council. This support is part of a broader vision to modernize global governance.
The two leaders agreed that the UN Security Council requires urgent restructuring to ensure it becomes:
- More representative and inclusive
- Transparent and efficient
- Democratic and accountable
To achieve this, they resolved to work closely on reforming multilateral bodies, specifically mentioning initiatives such as UN80.
AI Governance and Economic Ties
The diplomatic dialogue extended into the future of technology and finance. Both parties agreed that the governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) must be rooted in international legal frameworks and human rights laws. The goal is to ensure AI serves to empower citizens, enrich lives, and foster sustainable development globally.
Strengthening Commercial Bonds
On the economic front, New Delhi has acknowledged the receipt of a draft Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement provided by Liechtenstein. Both administrations expressed an openness to evaluating this pact, which aims to provide greater legal certainty and stability for investors and commercial enterprises operating between the two nations.
The visit concluded on a warm note, with Prince Alois formally inviting Prime Minister Modi to visit Liechtenstein for a bilateral visit at a mutually convenient time.