UN Supports PM Modi’s Call For Long-Pending UN Security Council Reform

UN Secretary-General’s Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric has backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for urgent reform of the United Nations Security Council, saying the existing structure no longer reflects the realities of the 21st century. His remarks came after Modi, addressing the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, said reform of the Council “can no longer be delayed” and called for a more representative global governance system.

Responding to Modi’s comments, Dujarric said UN Secretary-General António Guterres and his predecessor had consistently stressed the need to reform the Security Council and other international institutions. He pointed to the Council’s five permanent members and said its present composition does not adequately represent the world in 2026. Dujarric argued that international institutions need to adapt to contemporary realities rather than continue reflecting the geopolitical circumstances of 1945.

Modi, during a BRICS session on inclusive global governance and strengthening multilateralism, criticised what he described as a global governance “pyramid”, where decision-making remains concentrated among a limited group of countries. He said nations of the Global South are often at the forefront of global crises but remain underrepresented in decisions affecting them. Modi proposed that BRICS countries prepare 10 reform proposals that could eventually form a BRICS Reform Roadmap, focusing on representation, responsiveness and rule-making.

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The New Delhi Declaration adopted at the summit also called for comprehensive reform of global governance institutions, including the Security Council, with greater representation for developing countries. BRICS reiterated its support for a more democratic, representative and effective UN system and said reform should amplify the voice of the Global South. China and Russia, the two BRICS members that are permanent Security Council members, also reiterated support for the aspirations of India and Brazil to assume greater roles in the UN, including the Council.

Dujarric also said Guterres and Modi had discussed international conflicts, including the situations in the Middle East and Ukraine, during their meeting. He said the UN chief sees India as having an important role as a bridge-builder that can help parties communicate and work towards peaceful settlements. Dujarric also congratulated Modi on India’s BRICS presidency, saying the adoption of a joint declaration reflected positively on the country’s leadership of the grouping.

Beyond Security Council reform, the BRICS declaration called for changes to international financial institutions, including the Bretton Woods Institutions, to better reflect the growing economic weight of emerging and developing countries. It also addressed World Trade Organisation reform, development financing, artificial intelligence and representation in international organisations. India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13 under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”

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