Is India Right to Demand a Major Overhaul of the UNSC?
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Synopsis
As the UN marks its 80th anniversary, India calls for a crucial overhaul of the Security Council amidst procedural manipulations that hinder reform. With support from UN Secretary-General Guterres, the need for an inclusive decision-making process for the Global South becomes imperative for future global stability.
Key Takeaways
- India demands urgent reform of the UNSC to reflect modern geopolitical realities.
- Procedural manipulation is hindering necessary changes.
- UN Secretary-General Guterres supports the call for expanded membership.
- The Global South seeks a greater role in UN decision-making.
- Reform is essential for maintaining global stability.
United Nations, Oct 25 (NationPress) As the global organization celebrates its 80th anniversary, India has asserted that the Security Council urgently needs a comprehensive reform and condemned those who manipulate procedures to impede progress.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also emphasized the necessity of reforming the Council to broaden its membership to foster stability in a multipolar world.
During the Council’s discussion marking the UN’s founding anniversary, India’s Permanent Representative P Harish criticized the efforts to obstruct reforms through procedural hurdles, deeming it detrimental to the Global South.
“An antiquated Council structure that reflects the geopolitical realities of 1945 is ill-equipped to tackle the challenges of 2025,” he stated.
“The existing 80-year-old framework requires an immediate and fundamental overhaul; delaying it indefinitely through procedural tactics significantly harms our citizens, especially in the Global South,” he added.
“Reform of the Council must encompass expansion in both permanent and non-permanent categories and should occur through text-based negotiations within a defined timeframe,” he stated.
A small coalition of nations led by Italy, which includes Pakistan, has obstructed reform efforts.
Dubbed Uniting for Consensus, this group has hindered the adoption of a negotiating text needed for discussions.
Guterres, speaking from Hanoi via video, highlighted the under-representation in the Asia-Pacific region, which constitutes half of humanity but has only one seat.
“The reform of the Security Council is essential and long overdue for global order and safety maintenance,” he asserted. “This reform should include an expansion of membership.”
He noted that while over half of the peacekeeping operations and numerous special political missions are in Africa, the continent lacks a permanent seat.
“Expanding membership is not merely a matter of justice; it can also yield results. It has the potential to resolve deadlocks and provide stability in our increasingly multipolar world,” he emphasized.
Harish also advocated for a more significant role for the Global South in UN decision-making.
“Global decision-making frameworks must be more democratic and inclusive to effectively address the needs of the Global South,” he urged.
“This bloc represents the vast majority of humanity and faces unique challenges, particularly in development, climate, and financing, thus necessitating greater representation and influence in all UN bodies and processes,” he concluded.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the urgency for reform in the Security Council. India's call for an overhaul resonates with many nations, particularly in the Global South, who feel underrepresented. The manipulation of procedures to stall reforms not only obstructs progress but also undermines the foundation of a fair and equitable global governance system. The need for a more democratic and inclusive approach to decision-making is paramount for addressing contemporary global challenges.
NationPress
26/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is India calling for a UNSC overhaul?
India believes that the current structure of the UNSC is outdated and does not reflect the geopolitical realities of today, requiring immediate reform to better address global challenges.
What is the 'Uniting for Consensus' group?
The 'Uniting for Consensus' group comprises several countries, including Italy and Pakistan, that are obstructing UNSC reform efforts by manipulating procedural rules.
What does UN Secretary-General Guterres say about UNSC reform?
Guterres emphasizes that reform is essential for maintaining global order and safety, particularly stressing the need for expanded membership to enhance representation.
How does the Global South fit into these discussions?
The Global South, representing a significant portion of humanity, seeks greater representation and influence within the UN to effectively address its unique challenges.
What are the implications of delaying UNSC reform?
Delaying the reform can lead to continued inefficiencies and inequities in global governance, particularly affecting peacekeeping and development efforts in underrepresented regions.
