U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed strong support for reforming the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to better reflect the interests of the developing world. Speaking at the ‘Summit of the Future’ during the 79th UN General Assembly in New York, he reiterated the U.S. endorsement of permanent seats for India, Japan, and Germany.
Blinken proposed that the reform should include two permanent seats for Africa, one rotating seat for Small Island Developing States, and permanent representation for Latin America and the Caribbean. He stated, “To reform the UN Security Council effectively, the United States believes it should include two permanent seats for Africa, a rotating seat for Small Island Developing States, and permanent representation for Latin America and the Caribbean, alongside our long-standing support for Germany, Japan, and India.”
He called for immediate negotiations on these reforms and emphasized the need for the UN system to adapt to today’s geopolitical realities, contrasting them with the world of 1945. However, he firmly opposed any changes that would undermine the core principles of the UN Charter.
Blinken remarked, “The United States is dedicated to evolving the UN system to meet the needs of today and tomorrow, but we will not accept any efforts that dilute or fundamentally alter the UN Charter’s core principles.”
India has long pursued a permanent seat on the Security Council, gaining momentum with international support. The UNSC consists of 15 members, including five permanent members with veto power—China, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and the United States—and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also advocated for reforms in global institutions during his address at the summit, calling them essential for maintaining relevance. He highlighted the African Union’s inclusion as a permanent member in the G20 as a significant step and expressed India’s readiness to share its successful development experiences with the Global South.
Modi emphasized a human-centric approach to global issues, stating, “We must prioritize sustainable development while ensuring human welfare, food, and health security. By lifting 250 million people out of poverty, India has shown that sustainable development is achievable. The success of humanity lies in our collective strength, not conflict.”
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri later noted that the UN Summit document includes a significant paragraph on Security Council reforms, marking an encouraging start toward text-based negotiations. He stated, “For the first time, a UN Summit document addresses UNSC reform in detail, which is a positive step forward, opening the door for further discussions on reforming the UN system.”