United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed strong support for reforming the Security Council to better reflect the world of 2025, with India emerging as a key voice in the multilateral system, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Monday.
Speaking on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Dujarric said India plays a pivotal role in the UN and stressed the need for organisational reforms to enhance effectiveness and representation. He added that decisions on permanent membership would be made by member states.
“The Secretary-General is very supportive of the reform of the Security Council to make it more representative of the world of 2025, as opposed to the world of 1945. Which countries will sit on a revitalised Council, and which will have permanent seats, will be decided by member states,” Dujarric said.
He described reform as a key theme this year, aimed at making the UN “nimbler, more effective, and more representative of the world of 2025.” Dujarric also praised India as “a very important part of the UN system” and “a strong supporter of multilateralism,” noting India’s significant presence within the organisation.
Last year, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar told the Rajya Sabha that securing permanent membership for India in an expanded UNSC remains a top priority. “India strongly believes it has all the credentials to be a permanent member of a reformed and expanded UN Security Council that reflects contemporary global realities,” he said.
On rising global protectionism, Dujarric expressed concern over tariffs and trade barriers, noting: “In a trade war, there are no winners,” and highlighted their implications for economic stability and development, including for countries like India.
This year’s UNGA coincides with high-level events, including the UN’s 80th anniversary, a Climate Ambition Summit, and a meeting marking 30 years of the Beijing Declaration on women’s rights.
(ANI)