India's External Affairs Minister Calls for UN Reform, Rejects Unanimity Requirement

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has said, frustration is growing within the international community over the lack of progress on reforming the United Nations. Dr Jaishankar was speaking at a ministerial session titled ‘Ruptures & Ramparts: Building Bridges for a Changing World’ on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York. The External Affairs Minister said there is a growing feeling that the UN must change and better reflect the realities of the world today. He said countries opposing UN reforms cannot continue to use the organisation without supporting efforts to strengthen it. Dr Jaishankar also rejected the idea that UN reform can be achieved through unanimity. Drawing a parallel with democratic decision-making, he said countries should be free to put forward their views, after which decisions should be taken through voting. He said this is essential for moving the reform process forward. He stressed that meaningful reform requires a concrete text that can be negotiated. The External Affairs Minister also said there is greater willingness among countries of the Global South to work together on the issue. He said, countries are increasingly willing to engage with one another and work together, which is a positive development as it helps break old dependencies and contributes to a more democratic and balanced world. His remarks come as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for reform of the Security Council, saying it must better reflect today’s world and have greater legitimacy to address current geopolitical challenges. India has long advocated reform of the Security Council, including expansion of both its permanent and non-permanent membership. New Delhi has argued that the 15-member Council, created in 1945, does not adequately reflect contemporary geopolitical realities.