India has reiterated its commitment to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, with India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Harish Parvathaneni, outlining the country’s continued efforts during the High-Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS at the UN.
Delivering India’s national statement on the 2026 Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS, Parvathaneni said India supports the global pledge to eliminate AIDS and remains steadfast in pursuing this goal through the National AIDS and STD Control Programme.
He observed that although significant progress has been made in the global fight against HIV over the past two decades, persistent inequalities, financial constraints and emerging challenges continue to threaten these achievements. India, he said, endorses the renewed international commitment to ending AIDS by 2030 and sustaining progress thereafter.
Parvathaneni noted that India’s HIV response is anchored in evidence-based planning, community participation and integrated service delivery. Sustained domestic investments, he said, have enabled the country to reduce new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths while expanding access to prevention, testing, treatment, care and support services.
Emphasising the importance of country ownership and sustainable financing, he said national HIV responses should be led by countries, tailored to local epidemiological needs, backed by predictable funding and supported by stronger health systems.
The Indian envoy also highlighted the country’s Triple Elimination Strategy to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and Hepatitis B. The initiative focuses on universal antenatal screening, timely treatment and follow-up of exposed infants. He welcomed the declaration’s emphasis on ending paediatric AIDS and accelerating efforts to eliminate vertical transmission, while supporting integrated responses to HIV, tuberculosis, viral hepatitis and other co-infections.
Stressing the need for equitable access to healthcare, Parvathaneni underscored the importance of affordable medicines, diagnostics and emerging technologies. He said the flexibilities available under the WTO TRIPS Agreement remain crucial for ensuring access to life-saving health products, especially in developing countries.
He also acknowledged the role of communities and civil society organisations in strengthening HIV responses and called for meaningful stakeholder engagement in line with national priorities.
Reaffirming India’s commitment to international collaboration, Parvathaneni said the country stands ready to work with Member States, UNAIDS and other partners to accelerate progress towards ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 through people-centred, equitable and sustainable approaches.
