India Opposes Inclusion of Religion and Faith as Criteria for Representation in Reformed UNSC

India has dismissed efforts to introduce new criteria, such as religion and faith, as a basis for representation in a reformed UN Security Council (UNSC). New Delhi emphasized that these attempts contradict the established principle of regional representation. During the Inter-Governmental Negotiations (IGN) meeting on the 'Size of the Future Council and Cluster Discussion on Regional Representation,' India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador P Harish, stated that those opposing text-based negotiations are not interested in advancing UNSC reforms.

India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador P Harish made remarks on behalf of the G4 nations of Brazil, Germany, Japan and IndiaImage Source : Social/ X @IndiaUNNewYork

India Opposes Introduction of New Criteria for UNSC Permanent Membership

Highlighting the push to introduce new criteria like religion and faith for representation in a reformed Council, Harish stressed that this latest move "completely counter to regional representation, which has been the accepted basis for representation in the UN."

He also criticized the claim that an expanded and reformed Security Council would be inefficient, calling it an excuse to delay genuine reforms. He added, "A reformed Council, with appropriate working methods and accountability mechanisms, would be equipped to function effectively and deliver meaningfully on pressing global issues." 

The Indian representative emphasized that a consolidated model excluding expansion in both permanent and non-permanent categories would fall short of meaningful reform and only serve to reinforce the existing status quo.

What is G4? Which countries are part of it? 

Before delivering his statement in his national capacity, Harish spoke on behalf of the G4 nations—Brazil, Germany, Japan, and India—emphasizing that regional representation is a well-established practice that has withstood the test of time within the UN framework.

The G4 stated in its announcement that "Proposals to introduce new parameters, such as religious affiliation, run counter to established UN practice and add considerable complexity to an already difficult discussion." 

The G4 also emphasized that the existing UN structure is a product of a bygone era that no longer reflects today’s world, and stressed that evolving geopolitical realities call for a reassessment of this framework.

(This Article was originally published by India TV)