India Calls Veto Power Essential for Meaningful UN Security Council Reform

India, Apr 15 : United Nations Security Council, Apr 15: India has firmly stated that any attempt to reform the United Nations Security Council without expanding the permanent membership along with veto powers will fail to address long-standing structural imbalances.
Speaking at the Inter Governmental Negotiations (IGN) on Council reforms, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, emphasized that both membership composition and veto authority lie at the core of the Council’s lack of representativeness and legitimacy.
He underlined that the current structure, established over eight decades ago, no longer reflects evolving global geopolitical realities. According to India, meaningful reform must go beyond symbolic changes and address foundational inequities embedded in the system.
Harish recalled that the only major reform carried out in the 1960s expanded the non-permanent category, inadvertently strengthening the relative dominance of veto holding nations. The shift in ratio from 5 permanent and 6 non-permanent members to 5 permanent and 10 non-permanent members tilted influence further in favor of the veto powers.
India cautioned that any reform excluding veto equipped permanent expansion would worsen this imbalance. It stressed that equitable restructuring must include both an increase in permanent seats and corresponding veto authority to ensure fairness and credibility.
The Indian envoy also warned against introducing entirely new membership categories, arguing that such proposals would complicate already complex negotiations. Instead, he called for streamlining discussions within the existing framework to accelerate progress.
India reiterated its long standing position that the 15-member Council, formed in 1945, is outdated and fails to represent contemporary global dynamics. It asserted its rightful claim to permanent membership, highlighting its role and contributions on the global stage.
Additionally, India raised concerns over the concept of “effective veto,” noting that even non-permanent members can block decisions such as presidential or press statements for narrow interests. This, it said, further complicates decision-making processes.
Referring to a 2022 United Nations General Assembly resolution aimed at increasing accountability for veto use, India observed that it has not significantly curbed the practice. Harish pointed out that dozens of vetoes have been exercised since its adoption, including a notable spike in recent years.
He concluded that any meaningful limitation on veto use would require amendments to the UN Charter an inherently difficult process, as such changes themselves remain subject to veto approval.
India’s remarks reinforce its push for comprehensive and balanced reform, positioning veto backed expansion as central to restoring credibility and effectiveness within the global decision-making body.