Jaishankar pushes for UNSC expansion at BRICS foreign ministers meet
What's the story
India has called for the expansion of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stressing that without reform, its effectiveness and credibility will remain "constrained." Speaking at a BRICS Foreign Ministers conclave in New Delhi, Jaishankar said, "The world today is more interconnected, complex, and multipolar than when many of our current institutions were created. Yet, the structures that underpin global governance have not kept pace with these changes."
Reform necessity
Jaishankar lists 4 key points
Jaishankar listed four key points to push for reforming international bodies and trading systems. He said, "The membership of the United Nations has expanded significantly, and its responsibilities have grown." However, he noted that key structures like the Security Council still reflect an earlier era. He stressed that without meaningful reform and expansion in both permanent and non-permanent categories, the UN's effectiveness will remain constrained.
Negotiation call
Serious negotiations on UNSC reform needed
Jaishankar also called for serious negotiations on UNSC reform. He said BRICS has debated this issue deeply, especially at the Johannesburg Summit. He added that "much more has to be done to make reform a reality." The minister also stressed the need to reform international financial architecture to deal with economic challenges such as supply chain vulnerabilities and food security pressures.
Trading system
Need to strengthen, reform multilateral trading system
Further, Jaishankar stressed the need to strengthen and reform the multilateral trading system. He said non-market practices and supply chain concentration have exposed the global economy to new risks. A rules-based, fair, open, and inclusive trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core is essential, he added. The minister emphasized that this system must address asymmetries and reflect the concerns of developing countries.