India boasts of being among the largest and most consistent troop contributing countries to UN peacekeeping, with more than 275,000 Indian personnel having served under the UN flag since 1948. Indian peacekeepers are currently working in some of the world’s most volatile conflict zones.
Keeping the power of peacekeeping and a large Indian force working towards the same, MEA official Sibi George further underscored the need for greater representation in the permanent membership of the UN Security Council, particularly of countries from the Global South, while also calling for a fair and inclusive global financial system.
George, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, delivered India’s statements at key meetings at the United Nations, signalling New Delhi’s continued push for reforms in global governance institutions. At the Inter-Governmental Negotiations (IGN) meeting on UN Security Council reforms, he highlighted the “need for greater representation of the Global South, particularly in the permanent category.”
Why is India emphasising Global South representation?
India’s position reflects long-standing concerns that existing global institutions do not adequately represent emerging economies and developing nations. George also underlined the “similarities between India’s approach to UN Security Council reforms and the African model,” indicating alignment with broader Global South demands for equitable representation and decision-making power at the highest levels of the UN system.
Stating that there must be enhanced representation of the developing world in the Security Council, George explained that this would accurately reflect the contemporary geo-political realities. “The Global South needs to have a more active role and larger representation in the Security Council during the discussions, particularly pertaining to issues that directly affect them”.
This cannot be achieved without ensuring their enhanced representation in both categories of membership of the Security Council.
What else did he say in his UN address?
Beyond security reforms, India also raised concerns over global economic imbalances.
Delivering India’s national statement at the General Debate of the 2026 Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Forum on Financing for Development Follow-up at UN Headquarters, George “underscored the need for a fair, inclusive development-oriented global financial system” to bridge the $4 trillion Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) financing gap.
He highlighted that reforming international financial institutions, enhancing the voice of the Global South, and deploying digital public infrastructure are key to delivering on the Sevilla Commitment, a 2025 global agreement aimed at scaling up development financing.
Peacekeeping in India’s UN engagement
A key pillar of India’s engagement during the visit was its continued focus on UN peacekeeping operations. The MEA official held a series of high-level interactions, including a meeting with Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations.
Both sides had a “productive discussion” on various topics, with particular focus on UN peacekeeping, the Permanent Mission of India to the UN said in a post on X.
He also held a wide-ranging discussion with Under-Secretary-General for the UN Department of Operational Support Atul Khare, reaffirming India’s “steadfast commitment to multilateralism and its remarkable contributions to UN peacekeeping.”
India’s emphasis on peacekeeping comes against the backdrop of its long-standing role as one of the largest contributors to UN missions. Since 1948, more than 275,000 Indian personnel have served under the UN flag across conflict zones worldwide.
Meanwhile, Sibi George commenced his official visit to the UN on Monday (April 20, 2026), by paying floral tributes at the bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the UN Headquarters. The visit included a series of engagements and interactions spanning peacekeeping, financial reform, and multilateral cooperation.