India on Thursday reiterated its unwavering support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus and for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with political equality, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions.
UN Security Council reform is now at the centre of discussions at the General Assembly, and there is some progress in the reform process, according to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
As the dust settles from the 12-day conflict that began with Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion” on 12 June 2025, and escalated with U.S. strikes on June 22, an urgent question arises: Were these pre-emptive attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities lawful under international law? Both countries claim the strikes were acts of self-defence against an existential nuclear threat.
Emphasising the ardent need for reforms in the UN Security Council, India's permanent representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, said that India is an essential country in the international system and has a legitimate right to a seat in the permanent category in the UNSC.
The resolution received support from twelve states during the session held on Wednesday, while the United States, Russia, and the United Kingdom chose to abstain from the vote.
A procedural vote to hold a meeting requires the support of nine countries in the 15-member council. Vetoes do not apply.
India is at the forefront of efforts at the UN to push for the long-pending reform of the Security Council, emphasising that it rightly deserves a place at the UN high table as a permanent member.
Gokhale's visit is significant since it came days before China hosts the 2nd Belt and Road Forum which will be attended by top leaders from more than 30 countries, including Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Pakistan Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mohammad Faisal, in his weekly briefing said, "We regret that a resolution has been circulated in the UNSC at a time when the matter was under consideration by the 1267 sanctions committee. Such efforts to circumvent the established machinery for this purpose will only weaken the 1267 regime."
Sources said Sedwill conveyed that all assistance would be extended to India bilaterally in dealing with any form of terrorism through counter-terrorism cooperation, intelligence sharing and by bringing the perpetrators of terror attacks to justice.
