India has renewed its call for comprehensive reforms of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), stressing that the veto power held by its five permanent members must be exercised responsibly and should not be used to serve narrow political interests.
Delivering India’s statement at the United Nations in New York, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, said the veto carries significant responsibility, particularly in matters concerning international peace and security.
The five permanent members of the Security Council, China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States, currently hold veto powers. India has maintained that this authority must be exercised with restraint and accountability.
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India Raises Concerns Over Veto Use
Harish noted that the veto had been exercised 331 times on around 200 resolutions during the UN’s existence. He said its disproportionate use by a limited number of permanent members had raised concerns about the credibility of the Security Council.
He also referred to the UN General Assembly’s adoption of Resolution 76/262 in 2022. The resolution provides for a General Assembly debate following the exercise of a veto in the Security Council.
However, Harish observed that the continued use of the veto indicated that the mechanism had not brought about the expected change in practice.
India Calls for Comprehensive Reform
Harish stressed that veto reform should not be pursued in isolation. Instead, it must be addressed alongside other key aspects of Security Council reform, including membership categories, regional representation, the Council’s size and its working methods.
India called for the early commencement of text-based negotiations with clearly defined timelines and milestones to advance the reform process.
Harish also underlined that restricting the veto alone would not fundamentally change the decision-making dynamics among the permanent members. He emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses the different aspects of the Council’s structure and functioning.
Concerns Over Informal Blocking Mechanisms
India also raised concerns over what Harish described as an “effective or de facto veto” in the Security Council’s working procedures.
He pointed out that the requirement for consensus on presidential statements, press statements, and sanctions committees could allow a single member to block proposals, sometimes without explaining.
India maintained that these informal blocking mechanisms should also be addressed as part of efforts to reform the Council’s decision-making processes.
India Seeks Equal Rights in a Reformed Council
Reaffirming India’s alignment with the Common African Position on Security Council reform, Harish said all permanent members of a reformed Council should have equal rights and responsibilities, including veto powers for as long as the mechanism continues to exist.
He opposed the creation of a separate category of permanent members with or without veto powers, arguing that such an arrangement could perpetuate existing inequalities.
India called for a reformed Security Council that ensures greater fairness and representation while addressing the concerns of countries and regions that remain underrepresented in the current structure.
The call comes amid continuing discussions at the United Nations on reforming the Security Council to make it more representative and responsive to contemporary global challenges.