UNSC Reform: India a Strong Contender for Permanent Seat, Says IGN President
The topic of expanding the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has resurfaced on the global agenda, with growing calls for restructuring the body to better reflect today’s geopolitical realities. Tareq Albanai, Chair of the Inter-Governmental Negotiations (IGN) on UNSC reforms, highlighted India’s prominent role in international affairs, stating that India is a key contender for a permanent seat in a reformed Security Council.
Speaking on the matter, Albanai said, “India stands as a major global force in the 21st century. If the Council’s membership is expanded from its current size to include between 21 and 27 members, there is no doubt that India will be a strong candidate for one of those seats. However, any such inclusion would depend on the collective decision of the wider UN membership.”
Albanai emphasized that the primary objective of any reformed Security Council should be to ensure greater representation, transparency, and inclusiveness. With 193 member nations, the United Nations must strive for a structure that represents all its constituents. He stressed that the idea of reform is not just about adding new members but also about making the institution more democratic and accountable.
Reflecting on the historical context, Albanai pointed out that since the last significant reform in 1965, which increased the number of elected members, the structure of the Security Council has remained largely unchanged. “It has been more than 80 years, and the world has transformed dramatically in this time. The next phase of the Council must be built for the future—guided by principles of efficiency, democracy, and global cooperation,” he said.
Responding to a question on the possible number of members in the expanded Council, Albanai noted that while no final decision has been reached, ongoing discussions indicate that the number could range between 21 and 27. He also acknowledged India’s consistent push to move the process towards text-based negotiations, which would form the foundation of concrete reform.
“The reform process is undoubtedly complex, but we are witnessing encouraging momentum. Many member states have shown readiness to engage constructively. Reform demands courage and innovation, and we need the active involvement of all delegations to reach consensus on the key components of change,” Albanai stated.
Addressing the timeline of potential reforms, Albanai refrained from committing to a specific year. However, he expressed optimism, saying, “Whether it happens by 2030 or later, the direction is clear. We must break down barriers. The global community increasingly realizes the urgent need for change. If we are to effectively tackle global challenges—from peace and security to development and human rights—then a reformed and revitalized UN is essential.”
India, for its part, has consistently advocated for reforms in the Security Council. Recently, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, P. Harish, speaking on behalf of the G4 nations—Brazil, Germany, Japan, and India—reiterated this demand during an IGN session. He argued that the current structure of the UN reflects an outdated era and is no longer equipped to address the complexities of today’s world.
Harish proposed increasing the Council’s membership from 15 to 25 or 26, suggesting a configuration that includes 11 permanent members and 14 to 15 non-permanent ones. “The world has changed, and so must the Council. It is time for a more equitable and representative UN system,” he said.
As momentum builds, the global community watches closely, hopeful that the UNSC will soon evolve into a body that truly mirrors the aspirations, diversity, and challenges of the modern world.