India has reiterated its call for comprehensive reforms of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), emphasizing the need to address several pivotal areas including membership categories, regional representation, the size of the council, its working methods, and the use of veto power. This was articulated by India’s Permanent Representative, Parvathaneni Harish, during a speech at the United Nations.
Harish underscored that reform efforts should treat these areas collectively rather than isolating the issue of veto power. He argued that the veto right entails substantial responsibility and should be applied judiciously, especially in situations concerning international peace and security. India contends that the veto should not serve the narrow political interests of a few nations, as this undermines the UNSC’s credibility and effectiveness.
The current structure of the UNSC grants veto power exclusively to its five permanent members: the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China. Harish pointed out that throughout the UN’s history, the veto has been employed 331 times, predominantly by three of these permanent members. He also referenced a 2022 initiative mandating that the UN General Assembly convene a debate each time a veto is cast, aiming to enhance accountability.
India maintains that any new framework for permanent membership should ensure equal rights and responsibilities, including equal access to veto power. It cautioned against the creation of a separate category of permanent members without equivalent veto rights, as this could further complicate the reform process.
Additionally, India reaffirmed its support for the Common African Position, which advocates for a unified African Union approach to reforming the Security Council. This stance reflects India’s broader push for a more representative and accountable Security Council that is capable of effectively addressing contemporary global challenges.