India is pushing for reforms within the United Nations Security Council, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive approach to decision-making. Ruchira Kamboj, India’s Permanent Representative, underscored the significance of consensus achieved at forums like the G20 Summit in addressing issues that remain unresolved within the UN’s highest decision-making body. She highlighted the contrast between the stagnation of the Security Council, often trapped in a “cold war” mentality due to polarization among its permanent members, and the progress made at the G20 Summit.
Kamboj reiterated the necessity of restructuring the Security Council’s permanent membership to better reflect contemporary global realities, asserting that diplomacy and dialogue require a more representative framework to effectively tackle challenges. She emphasized the significance of initiatives such as the Veto Initiative, which aims to hold Security Council permanent members accountable for their veto actions.
Despite the Security Council’s paralysis in addressing conflicts like the ongoing Ukraine War, forums like the G20 Summit have demonstrated the potential for consensus-building among a broader range of nations. Kamboj pointed out that the G20’s diverse membership and commitment to equality facilitated agreement on critical issues like territorial integrity and the inadmissibility of nuclear weapons use or threats.
The Veto Initiative, established in 2022 in response to the Security Council’s impasse over Ukraine, reflects the urgent need for reform within the Council. UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis emphasized the importance of revitalizing the Council’s ability to fulfill its responsibilities, urging member states to engage in constructive dialogue and bridge divisions to drive impactful solutions.
Kamboj criticized the “dysfunctionality” of the Security Council, attributing it not only to the use of the veto but also to the outdated membership structure that fails to align with contemporary global dynamics. She stressed that a majority of member states, including those that were not independent at the UN Charter’s drafting, support reform efforts, highlighting the disconnect between the Council’s decisions and the diverse perspectives of its constituents.
Addressing the obstacles to reform, Kamboj lamented the influence of a minority of dissenters within the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN), who hinder progress by demanding consensus before negotiations and blocking the adoption of a negotiating text. She also raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the Security Council’s operations, particularly regarding the use of holds and blocks within the Sanction Committee, which often shield terrorists from accountability.
Kamboj specifically highlighted instances where China has leveraged its influence to protect terrorists with ties to Pakistan, underscoring the need for greater transparency and accountability within the Security Council. Through her remarks, Kamboj emphasized India’s commitment to reforming the Security Council to better serve the interests of all member states and address pressing global challenges.
