India has paid USD 35.18 million to the United Nations (UN) Regular Budget for 2026, earning a place on the UN’s “honour roll” of countries that have paid their assessed contributions in full and on time. The payment was made on 3 February 2026, within the 30-day due period prescribed under UN financial regulations. This move reflects India’s continued commitment to multilateralism and its responsibilities as a key member of the United Nations.
Background: UN Regular Budget Contributions
The UN Regular Budget funds the organisation’s core activities, including peace and security initiatives, development work, human rights programmes, and administrative functions. Each UN Member State is assessed a mandatory contribution based on its economic capacity, as decided by the UN Committee on Contributions.
Timely payment of these dues is crucial for the smooth functioning of the UN, as delays can affect programme implementation and cash flow.
India’s Contribution and Honour Roll
For the year 2026, India contributed USD 35.18 million to the UN Regular Budget. According to the Committee on Contributions, 47 UN Member States had paid their assessed contributions in full as of 3 February 2026, qualifying them for the honour roll.
India’s payment places it among a limited group of countries that met the deadline, highlighting its role as a responsible and reliable UN member.
Announcement at UN Daily Briefing
The development was highlighted during the daily press briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
In a light-hearted moment, Dujarric posed a quiz-style question to journalists while referring to India, describing it as the country that is home to the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue at 182 metres. The statue is dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and is located in Gujarat.
India’s Track Record at the United Nations
India has consistently been among the countries that pay their UN contributions on time and in full. This reflects India’s long-standing support for the UN system and its belief in rules-based international order and multilateral cooperation.
India is also an active participant in UN peacekeeping missions, development programmes, and global policy discussions on issues such as climate change, sustainable development, and global governance reform.
Significance of the Payment
India’s timely contribution has both symbolic and practical importance:
- It strengthens India’s credibility within the UN system
- It supports uninterrupted functioning of UN programmes
- It reinforces India’s image as a responsible global stakeholder
Such actions also support India’s broader diplomatic efforts, including its push for greater representation of developing countries in global institutions.
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