“In the grandeur of New York, India voices a resounding condemnation for nations wielding their veto powers to obstruct evidence-backed terrorist designations within the hallowed chambers of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Such practices are decried as unwarranted and suggestive of duplicity, an affront to the council’s avowed commitment to combat the scourge of terrorism.
Embarking into the subterranean realms of subsidiary bodies, cloaked in bespoke operational methods and enigmatic practices, devoid of legal moorings in the charter or council resolutions, unfolds a narrative where decisions on listing rejections remain veiled, shielded from public scrutiny. This masked veto, more impervious than overt counterparts, beckons broader discourse amongst the council’s diverse membership. The hindrance of globally sanctioned terrorist listings, bereft of justifiable cause, resonates as a paradox undermining the council’s anti-terrorism resolve,” expounds Ruchira Kamboj, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, in an implicit critique, ostensibly directed towards China.
In the antecedent year, China imposed a technical restraint on a proposal jointly advanced by India and the United States to designate Mir, implicated in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, as a global terrorist. The labyrinthine mechanics of UNSC’s 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee witnessed China obstructing the designation of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist Sajid Mir. Kamboj advocates for transparency in the selection of subsidiary body chairs and decision-making authority, asserting the imperative of an open, consultative, and integrated process, with the consensus of the E-10 duly honored by the P-5.
“As a significant troop-contributing entity, our delegation underscores the need for the council to consider the concerns of troop and police contributing nations for enhanced peacekeeping mandate execution. The council’s agenda necessitates a critical review, shedding obsolete and irrelevant items,” she emphasizes.
India reiterates its call for UNSC reforms, urging nations hindering permanent seat revisions to contribute towards rendering the council apt for the 21st century. Kamboj concludes with a plea for an expanded Security Council, reflecting contemporary geopolitical realities, ensuring representation from developing nations and unrepresented regions like Africa, Latin America, and the majority of Asia and the Pacific.
The discourse pivots on the evolving threats to global peace and security, beckoning the council’s metamorphosis in tandem. Kamboj underscores the relevance of working methods, interlinked with the General Assembly and veto discussions. A holistic approach, addressing the issue comprehensively rather than piecemeal, stands imperative.
“As we unravel the intricacies of working methods, a conspicuous representation void looms in the Security Council between the P five and e ten. A council mirroring the multipolar world, embracing geographical and developmental diversity, beckons—an essential expansion in both membership categories,” Kamboj asserts.
A reiterated call resonates—progress blockers must heed calls for genuine reform, aligning the council’s purpose with the demands of the 21st century. Kamboj accentuates the inseparable connection between working methods and other facets, emphasizing the organic linkage between clusters, underscoring the need for a comprehensive solution.
In the panorama of international peace and security, Kamboj champions the debate on working methods, especially against backdrops like Ukraine and Gaza. The council’s efficacy, with feet firmly rooted in the past, warrants collective introspection by member states.
“As mandated by Article 24 of the UN Charter, a meaningful channel for the council’s engagement with the wider membership lies in the discussion on its report within the General Assembly. Yet, despite persistent calls for analytical reportage, these remain factual markers, revealing meeting frequencies and debate tallies,” she concludes, leaving the discourse poised on the precipice of collective reflection within the member states.