India has strongly criticised the continued lack of progress on reforms to the United Nations Security Council, saying nearly two decades of discussions have failed to produce meaningful outcomes.

The comments came after the United Nations General Assembly decided to extend the Inter-Governmental Negotiations (IGN) on Security Council reform into its 81st session, continuing a process that has now stretched over 18 years.

While joining the consensus on the rollover, India stressed that further delays would only deepen frustration among member states seeking comprehensive reform.

India Calls for Text-Based Negotiations

Speaking at the adoption of the decision, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Parvathaneni Harish, said the latest round of negotiations had not generated any concrete outcomes.

According to Harish, discussions have largely repeated previously stated positions without producing a roadmap for reform.

India argued that the only credible way forward is to begin text-based negotiations supported by:

• Clearly defined timelines.
• Specific milestones.
• A structured roadmap toward reform.

New Delhi maintained that such an approach would improve transparency and accountability in the negotiation process.

Greater Representation for the Global South

India reiterated that any meaningful reform of the Security Council must include expansion in both the permanent and non-permanent categories.

It argued that developing nations, particularly countries from the Global South, remain underrepresented in the current structure despite significant changes in global geopolitics since the Council's creation.

According to India, limiting reforms only to non-permanent seats would not fundamentally address the imbalance in decision-making within the Security Council.

Criticism of the Current Process

Harish expressed concern over the prolonged negotiations, noting that 17 completed cycles had not delivered substantive progress.

He said there was growing disappointment among member states and the wider international community regarding the Security Council's ability to respond effectively to conflicts around the world.

India also argued that the reform process should not be delayed by the differing positions of a limited number of member states and expressed hope that the upcoming 81st IGN session would produce meaningful movement.

India's Campaign for a Security Council Seat

Earlier this month, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar launched India's campaign for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council for the 2028–29 term.

The election for that seat is scheduled for June 2027, with India expected to contest the Asia-Pacific Group seat against Tajikistan.

India most recently served as a non-permanent member of the Security Council during 2021–22, marking its eighth term on the Council.

Debate Over Security Council Expansion

The debate over Security Council reform continues to divide UN member states.

India supports expanding both permanent and non-permanent membership, arguing that this would better reflect today's geopolitical realities.

Meanwhile, the Uniting for Consensus (UfC) group—which includes countries such as Canada, Pakistan, Türkiye and Italy—has advocated expanding only the non-permanent category while opposing the creation of additional permanent seats.

The differing positions remain one of the principal reasons negotiations have yet to produce an agreed reform framework.

Why This Matters

Reforming the UN Security Council has been one of the most debated issues in global governance for decades. Many countries argue that the Council's current structure no longer reflects contemporary geopolitical realities or adequately represents developing regions. India's renewed push highlights broader demands for a more representative and effective Security Council capable of responding to today's international security challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why did India criticise the UN Security Council reform process?

India said 17 rounds of Inter-Governmental Negotiations have failed to produce meaningful outcomes and called for time-bound, text-based negotiations.

What are text-based negotiations?

Text-based negotiations involve discussing and revising specific draft reform proposals rather than holding only general discussions, with the aim of moving closer to formal agreements.

What reforms is India seeking?

India supports expanding both the permanent and non-permanent categories of the Security Council while increasing representation for developing countries and the Global South.

When will the next round of negotiations begin?

The Inter-Governmental Negotiations will continue during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, beginning in September.

Is India contesting for a Security Council seat?

Yes. India has launched its campaign for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council for the 2028–29 term, with elections scheduled for June 2027.