After initially siding with the EU, that regarded NATO intervention in Libya as “neo-colonialism,” India has recently been in contact with the Libyan Transitional National Council in Benghazi and Cairo. India also participated as an observer in the Libyan Contact Group meeting in Istanbul in July.
“India extends support to the acceptance of credentials of the delegation of the Transitional National Council of Libya led by its President Mustafa Abdel Jalil to attend the forthcoming UN General Assembly session in New York,”
– India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
India also participated at the Paris Conference on Libya, by sending Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri E. Ahamed. India’s attendance at the conference, jointly organised by France and the UK on September 1, was a change in their official position, which had them siding with the African Union and opposing external regime change.
India now expects to participate in a “High-Level Event on Libya,” at the time of the UN General Assembly meeting, September 20. This meeting was listed in an EU press release today, stating that EU President Barosso will outline the European Commission’s contribution to reconstruction and state-building in Libya.
“In this meeting, India will reiterate its willingness to extend all possible assistance to the people of Libya in their political transition, rebuilding and reconstruction activities.”
The Ministry of External Affairs added “Our Charge d’Affairs to Libya, currently based in Tunis, has formally established contact with the TNC Mission in Tunis.”
India has already provided $1 million to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, for humanitarian assistance in Libya, and will give $2 million more, according to the ministry.
