New Delhi: India has once again called for major reforms in the United Nations, saying the global organisation still reflects the realities of a past era and no longer represents today’s changing world order.
Speaking at the BRICS foreign ministers meeting held in New Delhi on Thursday, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said the structure of the United Nations, especially the Security Council, was created after the Second World War and has failed to keep pace with modern political and economic developments.
Jaishankar told ministers from BRICS nations that international institutions must become more representative and credible if they are to remain effective in addressing global crises. He stressed that developing countries from Asia, Africa and Latin America continue to have limited influence in important global decision making bodies despite their growing economic and political importance.
India has for many years demanded permanent membership in the UN Security Council. The country argues that its large population, expanding economy and increasing diplomatic influence make it deserving of a stronger role in global governance. India has also received support from several countries for its bid to become a permanent member.
During the meeting, Jaishankar said many international institutions were struggling to respond effectively to current conflicts and economic challenges because their structures had not changed with time. He added that trust in global organisations would weaken further if reforms continued to be delayed.
The BRICS group, which originally included Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, has expanded significantly in recent years. New members such as Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates have joined the bloc, increasing its global influence. Together, BRICS countries now represent a large share of the world’s population and economic activity.
India is currently chairing the BRICS grouping for 2026 and is hosting a series of important meetings ahead of the BRICS summit expected later this year in New Delhi. Officials say India wants to use its leadership role to strengthen cooperation among developing nations and push for reforms in global institutions.
The discussions at the foreign ministers meeting were also shaped by growing international tensions. Leaders expressed concern over conflicts in the Middle East, rising oil prices and threats to major shipping routes including the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz. Several countries stressed the need for dialogue and peaceful negotiations to avoid further instability.
Jaishankar also criticised the increasing use of unilateral sanctions and pressure tactics in international relations. He said diplomacy and respect for international law should remain the foundation for resolving disputes between countries.
The meeting, however, also revealed differences among BRICS members. Reports suggested that disagreements emerged between Iran and the United Arab Emirates over regional issues, making negotiations on a joint statement more difficult. Despite these tensions, member nations agreed on the importance of strengthening cooperation among emerging economies.
Political analysts say India’s renewed push for UN reforms reflects a wider demand from developing nations for greater representation in global decision making. Many countries believe the current international system still favours a small group of powerful nations while limiting the voice of emerging economies.
Experts also note that meaningful reform of the UN Security Council remains a difficult process because any major changes require approval from the existing permanent members, including the United States, Russia and China.
Even so, India continues to present itself as a leading voice for the Global South and has used the BRICS platform to argue that the world needs institutions that better reflect present day realities rather than the balance of power that existed decades ago.