India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, has reiterated the call for reforms in the UN Security Council, emphasizing the need for “reformed multilateralism.”

Speaking at an Open Debate on “Practicing Multilateralism, Reforming and Improving Global Governance,” at the UN Security Council on February 18, 2025, Ambassador Harish underscored India’s strong commitment to reform efforts, vowing to work closely with its friends and partners.

“We call on all Member States to also join this endeavor for reformed multilateralism,” he stated, stressing that the Global South must not be short-changed and that India and other key players deserve due representation in UN structures.

He pointed out that while many speakers had already highlighted the urgent need for reforms, more voices would follow, reinforcing the necessity of modernizing the UN’s 80-year-old framework. “At a time when the world is increasingly expressing concerns about the ability of the United Nations to deliver effectively on pressing global issues, reforms are not a choice anymore but an imperative,” he asserted.

He highlighted seven specific points before the Council that include: India has consistently advocated for UN reforms, emphasizing that change is essential for relevance, as highlighted by Prime Minister Modi in 2024; the UN’s current frameworks reflect a bygone era and must evolve to align with the present global order instead of remaining stuck in 1945; a key aspect of reform should be rectifying historical injustices by ensuring Africa’s representation, beyond just symbolic statements; developing nations, including India, deserve rightful participation in UN decision-making, particularly through permanent Security Council membership; effective change requires expanding both permanent and non-permanent memberships, initiating text-based negotiations, and setting clear timelines with concrete outcomes; those resisting Security Council expansion are clinging to an outdated system, hindering progress, and their stance must no longer be accepted; and the UN General Assembly’s authority as the primary policymaking and representative body must be upheld in both spirit and practice.

Ambassador Harish also addressed comments made by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed Ishaq Dar, regarding Jammu and Kashmir, firmly stating that the region “has been, is, and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India.” He emphasized that Pakistan remains in illegal occupation of parts of Jammu and Kashmir and that misinformation campaigns do not alter this reality.

“The people of Jammu and Kashmir have only last year taken part in a successful election and have voted in large numbers to choose their government,” he added “The choice of the people of Jammu and Kashmir was loud and clear. Democracy in Jammu and Kashmir is vibrant and strong, unlike in Pakistan.”

Turning to the issue of terrorism, Ambassador Harish reminded the Council that Pakistan harbors more than 20 UN-listed terrorist entities and provides state support for cross-border terrorism. “It is a supreme irony,” he remarked for Pakistan congratulating itself for fighting terrorism while being a “global epicenter,” of it.

He underscored that terrorism cannot be justified under any circumstances, regardless of motive, and that the international community must reject distinctions between “good” and “bad” terrorists.

“I request the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan to take note of it and not further waste the time of the Council in this regard,” added Ambassador Harish. 

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