New Delhi, June 16: Amid ongoing global discussions on reforming the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), India has dismissed the proposal to merely increase the number of temporary member countries, labeling it as “on the brink of failure.” India asserts that meaningful and comprehensive reforms are necessary for the UN’s highest decision-making body, rather than just limited changes.
India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, P. Harish, stated on Monday that reforming the UNSC without expanding permanent membership will not lead to any significant changes in the decision-making structure of the ‘P5’—the five permanent members: the UK, China, France, Russia, and the USA.
During the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) meeting on UNSC reform, he emphasized, “Groups and member states have long awaited real and meaningful change. If reforms are limited to temporary membership, UNSC reform will be on the brink of failure.”
The Italy-led Uniting for Consensus (UFC) group, which includes Pakistan, has consistently opposed adding new permanent members. India accuses this group of obstructing the reform process by employing procedural tactics.
Informally referred to as the “Coffee Club,” this group has resisted the expansion of permanent seats in the UNSC since its formation in the 1990s.
The UFC’s main strategy has been to prevent the adoption of negotiating texts that could serve as a basis for substantive discussions on reforms and advance the process. They argue that consensus should be reached before any text is created, which is contrary to the idea of achieving consensus through dialogue.
Harish stated, “The mindset of ‘no agreement on any issue until consensus is reached on every issue’ should not hinder progress.” Without naming the UFC, he remarked, “Status quo proponents have used this argument to further entrench the inequalities present in the Security Council.”
He urged the co-chairs of the IGN to take the lead in creating a text that clearly outlines milestones and timelines.
Harish reiterated that India’s advocacy for the expansion of permanent membership aims to bring more balance and equality to the Security Council and to counter the monopoly of the P5.
He stressed the need for reform in the UNSC structure, noting that the current arrangement still reflects the global circumstances post-World War II.
While the General Assembly represents the true democratic principles of the UN, he pointed out that the Security Council is fundamentally different due to its original structure and functioning. He stated, “Due to the fundamental structure of the Charter, unlike the General Assembly, the principle of sovereign equality of states is not fully implemented in the Security Council.”
Criticizing the so-called “Elements Paper” prepared by the co-chairs of the IGN, Harish argued that while it attempts to present various views cohesively, it lacks clarity on the concept of permanent membership.
He indicated that such an approach could prolong the reform process rather than advance it. He stated, “The UN Charter is entirely clear on this issue, leaving no room for confusion.”
He added, “Article 23 clearly divides UNSC members into two categories: permanent and temporary. Therefore, there is no need for further elaboration on the definition of a permanent seat.”
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