General Assembly General Assembly

Permanent Mission of India
New York
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Intermediate Model submitted by Liechtenstein titled Elements for a General Assembly resolution
on the enlargement of the Security Council.


Statement by Ambassador P. Harish, Permanent Representative

21 November 2024

 

Co-Chairs,
 

  • India welcomes the engagement of the Principality of Liechtenstein in presenting an updated model. This reflects Liechtenstein’s desire for a stronger Security Council.
     

  • My delegation agrees with the assertion that the UN Security Council in its current design is detrimental to the credibility and effectiveness of the UN and must be addressed at the earliest.
     

  • We need a UN Security Council that reflects the new multipolar world of today. In this regard, we are also in agreement with Liechtenstein’s addition of having at least one member from the Small Island Developing States (SIDS). My delegation does not support any claims being made by so-called cross regional groups on the basis of faith or religion, which can not be the sole basis for representation in the Council.
     

  • My delegation would also like to engage with Liechtenstein on the question of representation itself. This model does not extend veto powers to any of the new members. In addition, the creation of the category of “long term renewable seats” for 8-10 years does not again address full representation of developing countries. We do not accept this position.
     

  • Further, the inherent contradiction in Para 2 between “permanent basis” and “renewable term” stands out as the key defining feature of the amended model by Liechtenstein.
     

  • My delegation points to the text of Footnote-1 which refers to the question of creation of new non-permanent seats. Let us be clear - this model is limited to expansion in the non-permanent category only. The semantics of “serving on a permanent basis” as contained in para 2 does not accurately reflect this essential point.
     

  • Once we agree on this aspect, it is clear that this model merely tinkers with the status quo. It is not intended to bring out real or comprehensive reform that member states and their citizens are aspiring for and the UN is found wanting.
     

  • My delegation also seeks clarity on the reasoning for bestowing a special status to some cross regional groups, especially the League of Arab States. Other regional groups such as African Union, OAS, European Union etc. could also have a reasonable case for such representation.
     

  • India underscores that equitable geographical representation in the permanent category, in particular the inclusion of regions such as Africa, Asia-Pacific and Latin America and the Caribbean is essential for a legitimate and effective Council.
     

  • My delegation will continue to call for a constructive and democratic approach as stipulated in the UN Charter and resolution 62/557 that created the IGN. A record number of Heads of State/Government and Foreign Ministers have put their weight behind the need for reform during this High-Level Week in their National Statements.
     

  • At this time when multilateralism is facing so many challenges, we should rise to the occasion. We must begin text-based negotiations at the earliest to address all five clusters, holistically. India will constructively engage towards the realization of a reformed and efficient UN Security Council.