India has intensified its call for a comprehensive overhaul of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), emphasizing the need for reforms that encompass all areas, including membership categories, regional representation, council size, working methods, and the use of veto power. This stance was articulated by India’s Permanent Representative, Parvathaneni Harish, during a recent address at the United Nations.
Harish underscored that the reform process must be holistic, tackling all five key areas collectively rather than addressing the veto issue in isolation. He stressed the importance of exercising the veto with restraint, especially in matters of international peace and security, and criticized the current scenario where vetoes are used to advance narrow political interests. This, he argued, diminishes the credibility and effectiveness of the council.
Currently, veto power is exclusively held by the five permanent members of the Security Council: the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China. Harish noted that historically, most vetoes or threats of veto have originated from three of these five members. He highlighted a 2022 initiative that mandates the UN General Assembly to convene a debate each time a veto is cast, aiming to enhance accountability.
India is advocating for a new framework that ensures equal rights and responsibilities among all permanent members, including equal access to veto power. Harish cautioned against establishing a separate category of permanent members without equivalent veto rights, as it could further complicate the reform process.
Furthermore, India expressed its support for the Common African Position, which seeks to promote a unified African Union approach to reforming the Security Council. This aligns with India’s broader push for a more representative and accountable Security Council that can effectively address contemporary global challenges.
