PM of India Thank you Madame Chair. India welcomes today’s discussion on recognizing the contribution of minorities to fabrics of the society. For us, this is not only a principle but a lived, constitutional commitment. Diversity, including the equal participation of minority communities, is the hallmark of India’s nationhood. Minorities in India have been integral to our national journey. Religious minorities, including Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Sarnas, and Jains, have enriched our shared heritage as rulers, thinkers, scientists, poets, architects, legal luminaries, to name a few. There invaluable contributions in the fields ranging from literature and medicine to governance and arts is integral to India’s progress. Linguistic minorities safeguarded under the 8 th Schedule of the Constitution, which recognizes 22 languages, affirm that linguistic diversity is not a challenge, but a strength, opening education, administration, and cultural promotion. Equally, minorities have strengthened civic engagement and democratic institutions, from participation in freedom struggles to leadership in social reform movements, framing of laws and policies, they have advanced democratic reforms and promoted respect for human rights. Their role demonstrates that democracy is enriched by diversity and sustained by inclusion. India is committed to a multi-stakeholder approach to fostering inclusivity. Minority communities, governments, at the union and state levels, civil society, religious leaders, academia and business collaborate to embed diversity into governance, education, and development strategies. We encourage a constructive outcome from these deliberations. I thank you Madame Chair.