• Source:JND
HighLights
  1. PM Modi advocated time-bound reform of UN Security Council.
  2. Emphasised representation, responsiveness, and rule-making for global governance.
  3. India seeks permanent UNSC seat reflecting current global realities.

BRICS 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi put global governance reform at the centre of his BRICS Summit 2026 address in New Delhi. He called for time-bound reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), with two of the five permanent members, China and Russia, present at the summit.

'UNSC Reform Can No Longer Be Postponed': PM Modi

Addressing BRICS leaders, Modi said reform of the UNSC can no longer be delayed. He called for a definite timeframe and clear outcomes on the issue. “In formulating this roadmap, we must focus on three key aspects: Representation, Responsiveness, and Rule-making. Regarding representation, I would like to state that reform of the UN Security Council can no longer be postponed. Negotiations on this matter must be linked to a definite timeframe and clear outcomes,” PM Modi said.

PM Modi advocated for a greater role for emerging economies in global financial institutions and stronger mechanisms to ensure that BRICS decisions are implemented. He added, “Similarly, voting power, leadership positions, and policy priorities within financial institutions must align with today's economic realities. Countries that drive global economic growth should also play an appropriate role in shaping global economic governance.”

What Is UNSC Reform?

UNSC reform refers to proposed changes to the structure, membership and working methods of the United Nations Security Council, the most powerful body of the UN. The aim is to make the council more representative and reflective of today’s global political and economic realities. The body is responsible for maintaining international peace and security.

It has 15 members in total, including five permanent members (the United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China) and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms on rotational basis. Critics argue that this structure reflects the balance of power after World War II rather than the realities of the present-day world.

Why PM Modi’s Call For Reform Matters?

PM Modi’s call is significant as India, despite its growing role in global affairs, is not a permanent member of the UNSC. India serves as a non-permanent member on a rotational basis, and its most recent term ended in 2022. The main reason behind India being not part of the UNSC is that the UN system has not been reformed since its creation after World War II.

Changing the UNSC structure requires amendment to the UN Charter. For this to happen, two conditions must be fulfilled, which are: (a) at least two-thirds of all member countries in the UN General Assembly must vote in favour of the change. (b) all five permanent members of the Security Council must approve it. Even if one of the permanent members disagrees, the proposed reform cannot go through. China, which holds veto power, has reportedly opposed India’s entry multiple times.

Additionally, some countries such as Pakistan and members of the “Uniting for Consensus” group also resist the expansion of permanent seats. Another reason is the lack of agreement on expansion. This is because countries cannot agree on how many new permanent members should be added or whether they should get veto power.

PM Modi's call is important as he wants the process of UNSC reform to have a definite timeframe and clear outcomes. Notably, India has been strongly advocating for a permanent seat and a reformed UNSC that reflects today’s global realities.

Earlier in 2024, Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Kirti Vardhan Singh, stated in a written reply that the government accords the highest priority to the reform and expansion of the UNSC. He highlighted that India has all the credentials for permanent membership and is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts through groups like the G-4 (India, Japan, Germany, Brazil) and the L.69 coalition of developing nations.

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