India has once again called for substantial reforms to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), emphasizing the need for changes that encompass membership categories, regional representation, the council’s size, working methods, and the use of veto power. Speaking at the United Nations, India’s Permanent Representative, Parvathaneni Harish, highlighted that all these areas must be addressed collectively to ensure the Council’s effectiveness and credibility.
Harish underscored that the veto power, currently held by the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China, should not be used to further narrow political interests. He pointed out that the veto has been exercised 331 times in the UN’s history, with the majority of vetoes or threats coming from three of the five permanent members. This, he argued, has diminished the Council’s standing and its ability to maintain international peace and security.
India’s stance is that any new permanent membership framework should guarantee equal rights and responsibilities, including access to veto power, for all permanent members. Harish warned against creating a separate category of permanent members without equivalent veto rights, as it could further complicate the reform process.
The call for reforms also aligns with India’s support for the Common African Position, which advocates for a unified African Union approach to restructuring the Security Council. India’s push reflects its broader goals for a more representative and accountable body that can address contemporary global challenges effectively.
In 2022, an initiative was introduced requiring the UN General Assembly to convene a debate whenever a veto is cast, aiming to enhance accountability. Harish reiterated the importance of such measures and the exercise of veto power with restraint, particularly in matters concerning global peace and security.