Much-Needed Reform at the U.N.

The move by the United States to oppose any large-scale reforms in the United Nations Security Council does not match the promise President Barack Obama made to India, that it would back New Delhi’s candidacy for a permanent seat at the global decision-making body. Though U.S. Ambassador to India Richard Verma later said his country remained committed to its promise, Washington’s policy towards UNSC reforms still lacks clarity. If the U.S. is keen on reforming the Council, why did it, in the first place, team up with Russia and China to oppose negotiations on reforms? And the assertion by these countries that the prerogatives, including the veto power, of the existing permanent members should remain intact even if there are reforms, is tantamount to pre-empting any major reform.