Highlighting the pressing need for modernizing the existing multilateral governance framework, India articulated its stance during a G20 ministerial assembly held on Thursday. The gathering, presided over by Brazil, marks the commencement of Brazil's term as the head of the G20, succeeding India's leadership.
V. Muraleedharan, Minister of State for External Affairs, underscored the imperative for comprehensive reforms within the United Nations, particularly addressing the overhaul of the UN Security Council. Emphasizing the outdated nature of the current multilateral structure, Muraleedharan stressed the necessity for a robust and time-bound process to effectuate meaningful changes.
"current multilateral governance architecture is outdated, and comprehensive multilateral reforms, through effective, result-oriented, time-bound process, are required," he said.
"Reformed multilateralism would have 4 elements: Making international financial institutions more representative & effective; Improving working methods of IOs; Multilateral system to work for common cause, not individual interests; and Comprehensive UN reforms, including the UNSC," he added.
India's proactive engagement at the United Nations extends to its persistent advocacy for a significant overhaul of the Security Council, advocating for its rightful inclusion as a permanent member. Moreover, India reiterated the importance of addressing geopolitical tensions through constructive dialogue and consensus-building.
During the ministerial sessions, Muraleedharan reiterated India's stance on various global conflicts, calling for a return to diplomacy in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and endorsing a two-state solution for the Israel-Palestine issue. Condemning terrorism unequivocally, India emphasized the need to contain conflicts in regions like West Asia to prevent further escalation.
Additionally, Muraleedharan emphasized the paramount importance of maritime security, particularly in light of recent attacks on marine vessels in the Red Sea, underlining the criticality of securing sea lanes of communication.
Reaffirming India's unwavering support for Brazil's presidency, Muraleedharan aligned India's vision with the overarching theme of the ministerial meeting, emphasizing the imperative of building a just world and fostering sustainable development.
The G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting serves as a crucial platform for deliberations on a myriad of international issues, reflecting the shared concerns among G20 member nations. Brazil's Foreign Minister, Mauro Vieira, echoed sentiments for reforming multilateral institutions, citing their inadequacy in preventing global conflicts, particularly evident in the ongoing crises in Ukraine and Gaza.
