UNSC Reform (International Relations)
UNSC Reform (International Relations)
Why In News:
During a high-level visit to Chisinau, India and Moldova discussed reform of multilateral institutions, including the UN Security Council (UNSC), along with cooperation against terrorism.
Source: The Indian Express, Page 9, 21 July 2026, 'India, Moldova discuss UNSC reforms, fight against terror'
Why UNSC Reform Is a Recurring Theme
India has consistently argued that the UNSC's current structure, frozen since 1965 for non-permanent seats and since 1945 for permanent membership, does not reflect contemporary geopolitical realities.
India is part of the G4 group with Brazil, Germany and Japan, which jointly advocates comprehensive UNSC expansion, including new permanent seats, and mutually supports each other's candidature.
India advocates expansion of both permanent and non-permanent membership in the UNSC, with greater representation for developing regions like Asia, Africa, and Latin America, including its own bid for a permanent seat.
It also calls for reform of the veto system, improved transparency, and text-based negotiations to make the Council more democratic, accountable, and reflective of contemporary global challenges.
UNSC Structure
The UNSC was established in 1945 under the UN Charter and is one of the six principal organs of the UN.
It holds the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.
The Council has 15 members in total:
5 permanent members (P5): China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States - all of whom have veto power.
10 non-permanent members elected by the UN General Assembly for 2-year terms.
Election Process: Non-permanent members are elected annually by the UN General Assembly.
Elections are conducted through a secret ballot.
A two-thirds majority is required for selection, even if candidates are unopposed.
The UNSC is the only UN body whose decisions are legally binding on all member states under the UN Charter.
Key Facts for Prelims
Moldova, a landlocked Eastern European nation bordered by Romania and Ukraine, has its capital at Chisinau and uses the Moldovan leu as currency.
India's UNSC reform push is often discussed alongside its participation in BRICS, G20 and IBSA (India-Brazil-South Africa) as platforms for advocating a restructured global governance architecture.