UNSC Reforms demand has been re-iterated by India. During Monday’s UN Summit of the Future, the India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the need for reforms in global institutions as essential for ensuring global peace and development. He also underscored that inclusion of African Union as a member of G-20 Nations in New Delhi Summit under India’s Presidency was a vital step in this purpose.

The statement follows shortly after U.S. President Joe Biden expressed support for India’s bid to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Additionally, the Quad leaders also backed the call for UNSC reforms to include more nations and enhance its inclusivity.

In his 4.47-minute speech at UN, the Prime Minister highlighted concerns over terrorism and emerging “new theatres of conflict” in areas like cyber, maritime, and space. He emphasized that global efforts to address these challenges must align with the scale of global ambition. The PM reiterated that terrorism remains a significant threat to global peace and security.

“On all these issues, I will stress that global action must match global ambition, The success of humanity lies in our collective strength and not on the battlefield.
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister, India

Since 1979, The issue of equitable representation & UNSC reforms has been part of the Assembly’s plans, but demands for reform have intensified amid increasing global conflicts. In November 2022, the UN General Assembly concluded its discussions on Security Council reform, with member states agreeing on the need to modernize the 15-member body to preserve the United Nations’ relevance. The Council’s inability to pass resolutions to halt the Russia-Ukraine war raised concerns about the veto power held by some permanent members.

Iran’s representative argued that the veto is not a right, but an unfair privilege granted to certain Member States, which contradicts the United Nations Charter. He also pointed out that most of the Council’s members were from Western nations. Many member states supported expanding both the permanent and non-permanent member categories of the Council. Additionally, numerous speakers advocated for increasing representation from Africa & earlier UNSC reforms.

France has supported inclusion of India, Brazil, Germany & Japan into permanent UNSC Council.

Prime Minister of India also met with Palestine President Mahmud Abbas and conveyed his concerns over humanitarian situation in Gaza strip and re-iterated India’s support to return of peace in the region as early as possible.

India’s Stance on UNSC Reforms:

India has intensified its push for UNSC reforms, actively participating in the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) on the issue. As a key member of the G4—alongside Brazil, Germany, and Japan—New Delhi has been vocal about the need to expand the UNSC to better represent today’s geopolitical realities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar have both highlighted the reform agenda in their addresses at the UN in New York. During a visit to France in July 2023, PM Modi made a strong case for India’s “rightful place” on the Security Council, stressing that the UN, in its current form, is out of sync with the modern world. He urged for reforms to align the institution with the changing global order.

I think most countries are clear on what changes they would like to see in the UN Security Council, including on the role India should play. We just need to listen to their voice and heed their advice. I must appreciate the clear and consistent position that France has taken in this matter.

Narendra Modi, Prime Minister, India

Challenge in front of India’s inclusion as a permanent member & UNSC Reforms:

India’s inclusion as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) faces significant challenges, particularly due to the veto power held by China, one of the five permanent members (P5). Despite widespread international support for India’s candidature, including backing from countries like the U.S., Russia, and France, China’s opposition remains a major obstacle. India and China are regional competitors with longstanding tensions, particularly over border disputes and influence in Asia. China is unlikely to support India’s rise in global stature through a permanent seat on the UNSC or any UNSC reforms, as it would tarnish Beijing’s influence.

However, India continues to advocate for reforms, hoping that growing global pressure may eventually influence change & make UNSC reforms possible.