India a fundamental pillar of democratic system in UN, says Antonio Guterres as new Indian envoy presents credentials

UN chief Antonio Guterres Monday said that India is a fundamental pillar of the democratic system in the UN and cooperation between the two sides is exemplary, as he welcomed Delhi's new envoy Parvathaneni Harish to the world body. Harish, India's new Permanent Representative to the UN, presented his credentials to the UN Secretary-General at the UN headquarters here.

"You are extremely welcome. India is a fundamental pillar of democratic system in the UN, and cooperation between India and the UN is exemplary. We believe that in your presence it will become even stronger," Guterres told Harish.

Harish conveyed to the UN chief that he brings "greetings" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to him to which Guterres replied, "Please convey to them my very very warm regards."


Harish arrived in New York last week to take charge as India's envoy to the world body. He hit the ground running and held bilateral meetings with several top UN leaders and his global counterparts.

Among the first UN leaders he met was the President of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, Dennis Francis.

Following his meeting, Harish posted on X that he was "glad" to meet Francis "and benefitted from his insights on various issues of mutual interest. Appreciated the General Assembly's support to India during his Presidency. A pleasure to listen to his experiences from his India visit," a reference to Francis's visit to India in January this year.

In an interview with PTI, Francis had said he was very pleased to receive Harish and the two had "very expansive" and fulsome conversations and discussions.

Harish also met UN Secretary-General's Envoy on Technology Amandeep Singh Gill, Permanent Representative of Egypt to the UN Osama Abdel Khalek, Permanent Representative of Bhutan to the UN Pema Lektup Dorji, Portugal's Ambassador Rui Vinhas and Japanese envoy Ambassador Yamazaki Kazuyuki.