UNSC's 'inability to purposefully intervene' in raging conflicts costs humanity dearly: India

India has questioned the credibility and effectiveness of the UN Security Council, stating its ‘inability to purposefully intervene’ in raging conflicts across the world has led to unabated human suffering. Speaking at the UNSC’s annual open debate on working methods, Ambassador Yojna Patel of India emphasized that growing skepticism among member states stems from the Council’s failure to respond effectively to conflicts. Patel argued that the Council’s current structure, created after World War II, no longer reflects the geopolitical realities of today. The world has changed significantly since 1945, with UN membership expanding fourfold, yet the Council’s composition and working methods remain outdated. India called for urgent reform, including expansion of both permanent and non-permanent seats to better represent the Global South. The country also proposed clearer negotiation timelines and greater transparency in Council documents and processes. On peacekeeping, India urged troop-contributing nations to have a role in key decisions. It warned against using Council membership for political interests, particularly in sanctions decisions, and advocated for stronger coordination between the Security Council and the General Assembly. Patel stressed that reforms must address all aspects of the Council’s structure and functioning comprehensively.