India has called for urgent reforms in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), saying its structure and decision-making process must reflect present-day global realities and provide greater representation to developing countries.
Speaking at a UNSC Open Debate on Working Methods, India’s Charge d’Affaires to the UN Yojna Patel said the need for reform is more pronounced and pressing than ever before.
She noted that the UN’s membership has increased significantly since 1945 and argued that the Security Council cannot continue to be shaped by the realities of that era.
India reiterated its demand for expansion in both permanent and non-permanent membership, with greater representation for the Global South. Patel said reforms should be pursued through text-based negotiations with clear milestones and deadlines.
India also said discussions on the Council’s working methods should be part of wider UNSC reforms, including membership, regional representation and the issue of veto powers.
It stressed that existing provisional rules of procedure should not be used as an excuse to delay reforms.
Calling for greater transparency, India said all UNSC members, including non-permanent members, should have equal access to documents and historical records.
It also urged that countries contributing troops and police to UN peacekeeping missions should have a greater role in decisions on peacekeeping mandates and resources.
India further called for fixed deadlines for appointing chairs of UNSC subsidiary bodies. On terrorism, Patel warned that UNSC membership should not be used for political purposes and said decisions on listing or removing terrorist organisations must be based on objective criteria and evidence.
India also urged stronger coordination between the UNSC and the UN General Assembly, saying reforms were needed to make the Security Council more representative, transparent and effective.