22.11.17

India’s Bhandari re-elected to ICJ

Re-election of Judge Dalveer Bhandari to the International Court of Justice was a big moment for India as it demonstrated the country’s growing clout on the international arena.

An ecstatic Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted “Vande Mataram – India wins to the International Court of Justice. Jai Hind.” India’s permanent representative at the UN Syed Akbaruddin tweeted, “A vote that brings to cheer to a billion.” Bhandari received 183 of the 193 votes in the General Assembly and secured all 15 votes in the Security Council to fill the final vacancy on the Hague-based ICJ after separate but simultaneous elections were held at the UN headquarters.

In a statement later, the MEA said, “The extraordinary support from the UN membership is reflective of the respect for strong constitutional integrity of the Indian polity and the independence of the judiciary in India.”

PM Narendra Modi credited the efforts of Swaraj and MEA officials for the re-election. He also thanked members of the UN General Assembly and the Security Council.

Justice Bhandari won after UK candidate Sir Christopher Greenwood withdrew following a closely-fought contest that seemed loaded against him. It was a recognition of India’s growing clout, honour and prestige at the UN.

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