India A Contender For Expanded UN Security Council, Says Chair Of Negotiations

India is likely to be a contender for a seat if the UN Security Council (UNSC) expands, Ambassador Tareq AlBanai, the Chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) on UNSC reforms, said on Thursday.

Speaking at a press briefing, AlBanai emphasized the importance of a reformed Council being representative of all United Nations member states.

“The goal of this reformed Council must be representative. Obviously, India is a main player on the world stage today. But it (UN) is a membership of 193 countries. The consideration is representative for everybody and the whole membership of the United Nations,” he stated.

“So surely, if the decision is made that expansion of the Council goes to from anywhere from 21 to 27 members, then surely India will be a contender in that and will be subject to the decision of the wider membership,” AlBanai explained in response to a query by PTI.

Discussions On UN Security Council Reform Progress

AlBanai, Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to the UN, also mentioned that in the previous year, he and Ambassador Alexander Marschik of Austria visited India and engaged in high-level discussions on UNSC reform.

During the 79th UNGA session, AlBanai updated the progress of the ongoing IGN process and acknowledged that, although the path to reform is complex, steady and meaningful steps are moving forward.

He highlighted that the first iteration of the Security Council has lasted over 80 years, with the last expansion in 1965.

“Whatever formulation the reformed Council takes, it must design to endure for the next century, anchored in the principles of inclusivity, transparency, efficiency, effectiveness, democracy, and accountability,” AlBanai added.

When asked about the potential size of the expanded UNSC, the ambassador said that no final decision has made yet, but discussions range from 21 to 27 member states.

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