India urges urgent UNSC reform at open debate in New York

India on Wednesday called for urgent reforms to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), demanding that its structure reflect 21st-century realities and give greater representation to the Global South. Speaking at the UNSC Open Debate on Working Methods in New York, Ambassador Yojna Patel said the need for change was "more pronounced and pressing than ever before". "The world of 1945 has changed beyond recognition. UN membership has grown fourfold," she said, arguing that the outcome of one conflict eight decades ago cannot determine the council's composition and methods forever.

India demanded expansion in both permanent and non-permanent membership categories, achievable only through text-based negotiations with fixed timelines. Patel also criticised the provisional nature of the UNSC's Rules of Procedure and called for equal document access for all members. On peacekeeping, she said troop and police contributing countries must have a role in decision-making. She also warned that council membership should not be used to pursue political interests on terrorist listings.

On subsidiary body chairs, India demanded a definitive timeline for their finalisation. Patel concluded by urging stronger coordination between the Security Council and the UN General Assembly, which she called the "most universal and democratic arm of the UN".