“Reforming the United Nations: India’s Call for a Fairer, Inclusive Global Order”

 

“Reforming the United Nations: India’s Call for a Fairer, Inclusive Global Order”

Why in News

India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM) addressed the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive UN reforms and reaffirming India’s readiness to assume greater responsibilities in driving these reforms.

His speech reiterated that the UN must reflect contemporary realities rather than remain anchored in the post-World War II order.

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Background: The Need for UN Reforms

Formed in 1945, the United Nations (UN) was designed to maintain global peace, foster cooperation, and prevent future wars. However, the geopolitical landscape has drastically changed since then. Today’s world is multipolar, interconnected, and shaped by rising powers — yet the UN’s structure remains largely frozen in 1945.

1. Gridlock in Decision-Making

• The UN often suffers from paralysis due to political conflicts and veto powers.

• The P5 nations (US, UK, France, Russia, China) can block any resolution.

• Example: Russia’s veto on Ukraine and US vetoes on Israel-related resolutions.

• This veto system undermines democratic decision-making and global consensus.

2. Outdated & Unrepresentative Structure

• The UN Security Council (UNSC) does not reflect the demographic, economic, and political realities of today.

• Africa, Latin America, and the Global South remain underrepresented.

• Major powers like India, Japan, Germany, and Brazil lack permanent seats, despite their global influence.

3. Operational Inefficiency

• Failures in Bosnia, Rwanda, Syria, and Sudan highlight systemic weaknesses in UN peacekeeping and crisis response.

• Administrative bottlenecks and lack of accountability limit its credibility.

4. Financial Dependence

• The UN heavily relies on a few donors (especially the United States).

• This financial dependency gives those nations leverage over UN decisions, weakening neutrality.

5. Bureaucratic and Ethical Challenges

• The UN’s vast bureaucracy often leads to corruption and misconduct.

• Example: UNDP’s 434 new investigations in 2023, including procurement fraud and sexual misconduct, harmed its credibility.

6. Erosion of Sovereignty

• Some nations see UN resolutions as intrusions into domestic policy, especially on issues like human rights and climate action.

• This tension weakens trust in the institution.

7. Rise of Alternative Global Forums

• Emerging groupings like the G20, BRICS, and African Union are increasingly shaping global governance.

• This reflects a growing disillusionment with UN efficiency, pressing the need for internal reform.

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India’s Role and Perspective on UN Reforms

India’s stance on UN reform is grounded in its long-standing commitment to multilateralism, equity, and democratic global governance.

1. UNSC Expansion

• India, as part of the G4 group (India, Japan, Germany, Brazil), advocates expanding the UN Security Council to include six new permanent seats — ensuring representation from Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Western Europe.

• This would make decision-making more legitimate and geographically inclusive.

2. Championing the Global South

• India’s leadership in the Global South through forums like Voice of Global South Summit demonstrates its role as a bridge between developed and developing nations.

• It emphasizes climate justice, equitable trade, and sustainable development.

3. Strengthening Multilateralism

• India promotes dialogue over conflict, resisting bloc politics.

• Its historical neutrality and active peacekeeping record strengthen its claim for greater leadership in the UN.

4. Counter-Terrorism Framework

• India has consistently urged the UN to adopt a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT).

• Given its experience with terrorism, India can drive the creation of a globally binding counter-terror mechanism within the UN framework.

5. Leveraging Historical Credibility

• India’s contributions to peacekeeping, decolonization, anti-apartheid, and humanitarian aid give it unmatched moral authority in calling for reforms.

6. Soft Power and Global Influence

• Initiatives like the International Day of Yoga, adopted by 177 member states, showcase India’s ability to build global consensus through culture and diplomacy.

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The Way Forward: Blueprint for Effective UN Reforms

1. Text-Based Negotiations

• The Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) process must shift from open dialogue to text-based negotiations with clear deadlines and structured discussions to avoid procedural delays.

2. Veto Reform

• Restrict veto powers in cases involving genocide, war crimes, or crimes against humanity.

• Mandate supermajority approval or General Assembly review before any veto is valid.

3. Link Membership with Contribution

• Reward countries contributing significantly to peacekeeping, climate action, and humanitarian aid with greater representation in key UN bodies.

4. Accountability and Transparency

• Conduct regular performance audits of UN programs.

• Publish impact assessments and enforce ethical oversight across agencies.

5. Institutionalize Global South Mechanisms

• Establish a permanent “Voice of the Global South” forum within the UN system.

• Empower blocs like the African Union and G4 to coordinate reform strategies.

6. Coalition-Based Momentum

• Use platforms like G20, BRICS, IBSA, and NAM to build global consensus and pressure resistant powers to accept reforms.

7. Review and Adaptation

• Establish a UN Reform Commission with rotating membership to evaluate governance every 10 years, ensuring adaptability to geopolitical change.

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India’s Strategic Imperative

For India, UN reform is not just about representation — it’s about justice, legitimacy, and equality in global governance.
As the world’s most populous democracy, a major peacekeeping contributor, and the fifth-largest economy, India’s inclusion as a permanent UNSC member would:

• Enhance the credibility and representativeness of global decision-making.

• Bring focus to Global South issues like development, equity, and sustainability.

• Strengthen multilateralism in an era of unilateral power politics.

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Conclusion

The UN’s credibility depends on its ability to evolve.
Without reform, it risks becoming irrelevant in a rapidly changing multipolar world.

India’s demand for a reformed UN is not merely for prestige but for a more democratic, effective, and representative global governance system — one that balances the power of the past with the aspirations of the future.

As the voice of the Global South and a responsible global power, India stands ready to lead the transition from a post-war order to a post-hegemony order, ensuring that the United Nations truly becomes the United Nations of all.