Archive · 20 Aug 2026
India Urges Comprehensive UN Security Council Reform, Global South Representation
India wants the United Nations Security Council to match the world as it exists today.
The Council was created in 1945, when the United Nations had far fewer members.
India said developing countries and the Global South should have a bigger voice.
It asked for more members in both the permanent and non-permanent groups.
India also wants all Council members to have equal access to documents and records.
Countries that provide peacekeeping troops and police should help make decisions about missions.
India called for deadlines to appoint leaders of the Council’s smaller groups.
It also said terrorism decisions should use evidence instead of political interests and that the Council should work more closely with the General Assembly.
India called for urgent reform of the United Nations Security Council to reflect current global realities.
Ambassador Yojna Patel sought expansion of both permanent and non-permanent membership, with greater representation for developing countries and the Global South.
India said working-method reforms must address membership, regional representation and the veto as part of a broader reform package.
India demanded equal document access for all Council members and greater decision-making roles for countries contributing troops and police to peacekeeping missions.
India urged deadlines for appointing subsidiary-body chairs, evidence-based terrorism listings and delistings, and stronger coordination with the General Assembly.
- Who
- India, represented by Charge d’Affaires Ambassador Yojna Patel.
- What
- India called for comprehensive United Nations Security Council reforms covering membership, working methods, transparency, peacekeeping decisions and terrorism procedures.
- When
- Wednesday, during the Security Council’s annual open debate on working methods; no specific date was provided.
- Where
- New York, at a United Nations Security Council open debate.
- Why
- India said the Council must reflect 21st-century realities, improve representation for the Global South, and restore confidence in its effectiveness and legitimacy.
- Main demand
- Urgent, comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council.
- Membership proposal
- Expansion of both permanent and non-permanent categories, with greater representation for developing countries and the Global South.
- Negotiation process
- Text-based negotiations supported by clearly defined milestones and timelines.
- Transparency request
- Equal access to relevant and historical documents for all Security Council members.
- Peacekeeping role
- Troop- and police-contributing countries should participate in decisions on peacekeeping mandates and resources.
- Subsidiary bodies
- India called for current appointments to be finalised urgently and for Note 507 to establish a definitive deadline.
- Terrorism procedures
- Terrorist listings and delistings should rely on objective criteria and supporting documentation rather than political considerations.
