UN adopts negotiating text for Security Council reforms

India’s goal of becoming a permanent member of the UN Security Council took a significant step forward. UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a negotiating text for the Security Council reforms, setting the stage for talks on the long pending process at the 70th session of the global body.

There was no voting on the decision to continue text-based UNSC reforms in the 70th session of the General Assembly and it was adopted by consensus.

• India welcomed the passage of a proposal by the UN to begin text based negotiations on long pending reforms to the powerful UN Security Council.
• India has been pushing for reforms to the UNSC for many years seeking a seat for itself at the UN high table since it had been of the view that the UNSC is not reflective of the realities of the 21st century.

About United Nations Security Council (UNSC)

• The Security Council held its first session on 17 January 1946.
• Resolutions passed by the UNSC are binding.
• The UNSC is of 15 members – five permanent with the power to veto decisions made by the UNSC.
• The five permanent members are the US, Britain, China, France and Russia. The other 10 members are chosen for a two year term and are occupants of non-permanent seats that come without the veto power.
• Headquarters in New York City.

The 193-member General Assembly adopted by consensus on the last day of the 69th session, a text that sets the stage for negotiations on the long-pending issue of UNSC reform during the 70th session.