South-South Showdown Unleashed: India's Sharp Rebuke to UN's 46% Aid Axe |

Updated: February 05, 2026 03:16

Image Source: The Brighter World

India has voiced grave concern over the UN Development Programme's proposed 46% cut in funding to the UN Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) for 2026-2029. Ambassador P Harish urged a review, stressing its vital role in SDG achievement and trust fund management for developing nations amid shrinking global aid.

India has raised grave concerns at the UN over a proposed 46% cut in funding for the UN Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC), warning it could undermine global development efforts among developing nations. Ambassador Parayil Johny Harish urged the UNDP to reconsider amid tightening budgets for 2026-2029.

Key Developments:

India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador P Harish, spoke at the UNDP Executive Board's First Regular Session on February 4, 2026, highlighting the disproportionate 46% reduction in UNDP allocation to UNOSSC under the 2026-2029 Strategic Framework.
This cut exceeds average reductions across UNDP programs and risks crippling UNOSSC's role in trust fund management serving numerous developing countries.
Harish stressed South-South cooperation as a core pillar for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Global South.

Core Concerns:

Sharp budget constraints at UNDP include a USD 80 million cut in 2025 institutional funding and a projected USD 113 million drop in 2026 core resources.
UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo noted a deteriorating funding environment, with core funding falling to just 11% of total resources.
India warned that reforms must not weaken UNOSSC's programmatic capacity, vital for scaling solutions via shared experiences among nations.

India's Strong Stance:

Harish firmly called for an urgent review of the allocation to preserve UNOSSC's mandate.
India's decades-long UNDP partnership supports poverty reduction, SDG localization via NITI Aayog, and the India-UN Development Partnership Fund aiding over 70 countries.
This advocacy underscores India's leadership in South-South cooperation, aligning with national priorities like climate resilience and inclusive growth.

Broader Implications:

The proposed cuts come amid global challenges like climate change and debt distress hitting developing countries hardest.
UNOSSC facilitates projects in 50 nations, promoting triangular cooperation grounded in national ownership.
India's intervention signals a push for equitable UN reforms to sustain SDG progress toward 2030.

Sources: The Economic Times, The Print.

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