India Stands Firm Against Religious Parameters in UNSC Reforms

India has strongly opposed attempts to introduce religion and faith as criteria for representation in a reformed United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Speaking at the Inter-Governmental Negotiations (IGN) meeting on UNSC reforms, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador P. Harish, emphasized that such proposals contradict the established principle of regional representation, which has been the cornerstone of the UN’s structure.  

 

Ambassador Harish, representing both India and the G4 nations (Brazil, Germany, Japan, and India), highlighted that introducing religious parameters would add unnecessary complexity to an already challenging discussion. He asserted that these attempts are a diversion from meaningful reforms and risk undermining the legitimacy of the UNSC.  

 

The G4 nations reiterated their stance that UNSC reforms must reflect contemporary geopolitical realities. They proposed expanding the Council’s membership from 15 to 25 or 26, with six new permanent seats, including two for Africa and two for the Asia-Pacific region. This model aims to address the underrepresentation of developing nations and ensure a more equitable global governance structure.  

 

India also criticized arguments suggesting that an expanded UNSC would be inefficient, labeling them as tactics to stall progress. Ambassador Harish underscored the need for a reformed Council with effective working methods and accountability mechanisms to address pressing global issues.  

 

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Sources: The Hindu, India TV News, The Statesman.