Ruchira Kamboj calls for inclusive UN Security Council Reform

India continues to advocate for fundamental reform of the Security Council, calling for an inclusive framework that appropriately reflects the today’s diverse world. Ruchira Kamboj, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, emphasized the necessity of expanding both permanent and non-permanent membership to achieve genuine reform. She highlighted India’s stance, supported by a majority of member states as reflected in the 2015 framework document, which showed overwhelming support for expanding both membership categories specified in the UN Charter.

In her words ” India is in favour of expansion of UN Security Council membership in both the permanent and non permanent categories, as we believe that this is the only way to achieve genuine reform of the Security Council and make it legitimate, representative, responsive and effective.”

She emphasized the need for a Security Council that mirrors the geographical and developmental diversity of the UN, giving voice to developing countries and regions like Africa, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific. She dismissed the notion that expanding permanent seats would be undemocratic, stressing that the majority’s call for such reform should not be overshadowed by minority opinions. She also called for text-based negotiations within the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) framework to ensure a fair and effective process towards reform.

She continued to say “In a nutshell, we need a reformed Security Council that better reflects the geographical and developmental diversity of the United Nations today. A security council where the voices of developing countries and unrepresented regions, including Africa, Latin America and the vast majority of Asia and the Pacific, also find their due place at the horseshoe table. And for this, an expansion of the council in both categories of membership is absolutely essential,”

India’s pursuit of a permanent seat aligns with its longstanding goal to represent developing nations‘ interests more effectively. This effort has gained momentum with backing from figures like Dennis Francis, who acknowledges India’s potential to positively contribute to global peace and security. India, as part of the G4 nations, continues to advocate for UNSC reform and seeks stronger representation in line with contemporary global realities.