India has intensified its push for comprehensive reforms of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), emphasizing the need for changes across membership categories, regional representation, council size, working methods, and the use of veto power. At a recent United Nations meeting, India’s Permanent Representative, Parvathaneni Harish, argued that these reforms must be addressed collectively, rather than isolating the veto issue.
Harish underscored the responsibility that comes with the veto, advocating for its restrained use, especially in matters of international peace and security. He criticized the excessive use of veto power by a select few countries, which he said has compromised the council’s credibility and effectiveness. Currently, only the five permanent members of the Security Council—the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China—hold veto power.
Over the history of the United Nations, the veto has been wielded 331 times, with the majority of vetoes or threats to use veto power emanating from three of these five permanent members. Harish also referenced a recent 2022 initiative requiring the UN General Assembly to debate any instance of a veto, a move aimed at enhancing accountability.
India is advocating for a new framework for permanent membership that ensures equal rights and responsibilities, including equal access to veto power. Harish warned that creating a separate category of permanent members without equivalent veto rights could further complicate the reform process.
Reaffirming its stance, India expressed support for the Common African Position, which advocates for a united African Union approach towards UNSC reform. This call is part of India’s broader initiative to make the Security Council more representative and accountable, enabling it to address contemporary global challenges effectively.