India Calls for Structural Reforms in United Nations Security Council

India has called for comprehensive reforms of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), asserting that the global institution's framework cannot remain anchored to the geopolitical conditions of 1945. Speaking at the UN General Assembly during discussions on equitable representation and membership expansion, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, emphasized that the Council's composition must adapt to maintain its relevance and legitimacy.

“No war, especially one that took place over 80 years ago, should determine today’s state of the world. 1945 cannot be held as the sole reference point for today’s United Nations and today’s generation that is far removed from the time when this organisation was formed,” Harish stated during the session.

Highlighting historical contributions, Harish noted the role played by Indian soldiers during the World Wars, mentioning that approximately 2.5 million Indians participated, with about 90,000 losing their lives in military service. He also pointed out that over four million individuals died in the Bengal famine driven by colonial policies, arguing that the existing global governance structure neglected the experiences of nations that were not among the victors of the Second World War.

Addressing the mechanics of institutional change, the Indian envoy criticized the slow pace of Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) concerning Security Council reform. He pointed out that the negotiation process has continued for over a decade and a half without a formal negotiating text, a clear timeline, or a defined outcome, characterizing the stagnation as a preservation of the status quo.

India maintained that Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America remain underrepresented within the Council. Specifically, Harish noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounts for over 60 percent of the global population while holding only one permanent member seat. He cautioned that expanding solely the non-permanent category would leave foundational imbalances unaddressed.

Regarding veto power, India reiterated its stance that if veto rights continue to exist, they should be accessible to all permanent members, both existing and newly added, to prevent institutional inequality. Additionally, the statement called for increased transparency, regular mandate reviews, and better inclusion of troop- and police-contributing nations in decision-making processes.

Concluding his address, Harish reaffirmed India's commitment to multilateral cooperation and expressed hope that the 81st session would establish a formal text, timeline, and destination for meaningful Security Council reform.

"From a macroeconomic and global business perspective, outdated international governance frameworks can create friction for cross-border trade, policy alignment, and geopolitical stability. As emerging markets like India assume a larger role in the global economy, modernizing multilateral institutions becomes essential for ensuring fair representation, transparent decision-making, and stable long-term economic policies across regions." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes