At the United Nations General Assembly on 23 September 2025, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan once again brought up the Kashmir dispute, calling for a resolution through dialogue between India and Pakistan, in line with United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. He also delivered a harsh condemnation of Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza.

Referring to the thaw in India-Pakistan tensions earlier this year, Erdogan said, “We welcome the ceasefire reached after the April conflict between Pakistan and India. The Kashmir issue, for the sake of our Kashmiri brothers and sisters, should be resolved in accordance with UN resolutions, and through peaceful dialogue.”

Reaffirming Turkey’s consistent position, he added, “We support a peaceful solution to the Kashmir conflict based on the UNSC’s resolutions and the legitimate aspirations of the Kashmiri people.”

India has frequently rejected such international commentary, maintaining that Jammu and Kashmir is a strictly internal matter. New Delhi has urged Ankara to refrain from interfering and to respect India’s sovereignty a message it reiterated earlier this year when Erdogan echoed similar sentiments during a visit to Pakistan.

Since 2019, Erdogan has routinely used his annual UNGA addresses to voice support for Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir, positioning Turkey as a vocal ally. However, his most forceful criticisms were aimed at Israel and its military operations in Gaza. Erdogan described the situation in Gaza as an “ongoing genocide,” accusing Israel of mass displacement, targeted killings, and large-scale destruction.

“What’s happening in Gaza is genocide people are being killed as we speak,” he declared. “This is the time for the world to stand with the oppressed Palestinians and take a firm moral stance.”

He urged all countries that have not yet recognized Palestine as a state to do so “without hesitation,” and extended his gratitude to those that already have.

Erdogan also denounced Israel’s broader regional actions, condemning airstrikes in Syria, Iran, Yemen, Lebanon, and even Qatar where, he claimed, a strike aimed at Hamas leadership had failed to reach its intended target.

Highlighting the civilian toll, he said, “In the past 23 months, Israel has taken the life of one child every hour in Gaza. These aren’t statistics they are innocent lives.”

(With inputs from India Today)

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Recent discussions on India’s historical foreign policy decisions have reignited interest in the claim that former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru declined offers for a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). While some have dismissed these claims as myths, documented evidence from multiple credible sources—including archived letters, historical records/accounts, and statements by senior diplomats—affirm that Nehru did, in fact, reject at least two such offers: one in 1950 from the United States and another in 1955 from the Soviet Union.

1950: US Proposal To Replace China With India

According to a widely cited report by The Hindu (10 January 2004), former United Nations Under-Secretary-General Shashi Tharoor revealed that Nehru declined an offer from the United States in 1953 to take over China’s seat in the Security Council. Tharoor documented this in his biography “Nehru: The Invention of India“, stating that Nehru instead suggested the seat be given to the People’s Republic of China, despite its recent Communist takeover. The report stated, “Jawaharlal Nehru declined the United States offer to India to take the permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council around 1953 and suggested that it be given to China.”

Further corroboration comes from letters written by Vijayalakshmi Pandit, Nehru’s sister and India’s Ambassador to the United States at the time. During a 1950 meeting with U.S. adviser John Foster Dulles, Pandit was reportedly offered a proposal to have India replace China in the Security Council. Pandit’s correspondence with Nehru relays that he declined, explaining, “India, because of many factors, is certainly entitled to a permanent seat in the Security Council, but we are not going in at the cost of China.”

Nehru believed that such a move would provoke Beijing and compromise India’s stance on Asian solidarity. Ironically, twelve years later, China invaded India in 1962.

1955: Soviet Offer To Expand UNSC And Include India

In 1955, a second documented offer was made by the Soviet Union. This time, the proposal was not to replace any country but to expand the UNSC and include India as the sixth permanent member. Soviet Premier Nikolai Bulganin made the offer directly to Nehru.

Nehru once again declined, citing similar reasons. His statement at the time was, “We are opposed to pushing ourselves forward to occupy certain positions because that may itself create difficulties… This should not be done till the question of China’s admission and possibly of others is first solved.”

This position was consistent with what scholars refer to as “Nehruvian foreign policy,” which prioritized the idealistic unity of developing nations and respect for multilateral norms over strategic self-interest.

A detailed analysis of this offer is provided by the Wilson Center’s Cold War International History Project, titled “Not at the Cost of China: India and the United Nations Security Council, 1950”. The article confirms that Nehru’s primary objection was based on the principle—that the People’s Republic of China should first be admitted to the UN in place of the Chinese Nationalists (Taiwan), and only after resolving that issue should India be considered.

Jawaharlal Nehru’s Public Denial In Parliament

Despite these documented interactions, Nehru publicly denied in 1955 that any offer had been made. When asked in Parliament, he stated:

“There has been no offer, formal or informal, of this kind. Some vague references have appeared in the Press about it which have no foundation in fact.”

Historians have since speculated that Nehru either did not consider the proposals “serious” or sought to avoid domestic political complications.

Analysts have long debated whether these rejections were principled or imprudent. Critics argue that Nehru’s decisions deprived India of geopolitical leverage in crises such as the 1962 Sino-Indian War, the Kashmir disputes, and the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. In these instances, India had to rely on Soviet vetoes in the Security Council—a privilege it could have exercised independently had it accepted permanent membership.

Supporters of Nehru, on the other hand, argue that the U.S. proposal was never formal and was possibly a diplomatic maneuver to alienate India from China or enlist it in the Western bloc during the early Cold War.

As of today, all current permanent members of the UNSC—except China—publicly support India’s bid for permanent membership. Ironically, it is China, the very country for which Nehru sacrificed India’s seat, that continues to block India’s inclusion.

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After the brutal attack in Pahalgam on 22 April 2025, which was linked to terrorists operating from Pakistan, the Indian government responded by cutting off trade ties and severing the Indus Water Treaty. This retaliation came as a shock to Pakistan. In response, it has sought support from China, which condemned the attack through a collective statement in the UN Security Council (UNSC). Despite this condemnation, China has repeatedly blocked India’s attempts to designate key Pakistan-based terrorists as global threats, such as Masood Azhar and Hafiz Saeed, by citing technical holds at the UNSC. This report explores China’s role in obstructing India’s efforts to blacklist terrorists at the UNSC from 2009 to 2023.

Instances of China Blocking UNSC Sanctions on Pakistan-Based Terrorists

Sajid Mir (20 June 2023):

China blocked a proposal at the UNSC, supported by India and the US, to blacklist Sajid Mir, a senior Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militant, who was the key handler in the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

Hafiz Talah Saeed (19 October 2022):

China again placed a hold on a proposal to blacklist Hafiz Talah Saeed, the son of LeT chief Hafiz Saeed, a move backed by India and the US.

Shahid Mahmood (19 October 2022):

On the same day, China obstructed a proposal to list Shahid Mahmood, another Pakistan-based LeT terrorist, as a global terrorist. Mahmood asserted in 2016 that attacking America and India should be LeT’s top priority.

Sajid Mir (17 September 2022):

China blocked an additional bid by India and the US to impose sanctions on Sajid Mir, despite his involvement in the deadly 2008 attacks in Mumbai.

Abdul Rauf Azhar (12 August 2022):

In a rare occurrence, while all other UNSC members agreed to impose sanctions on Abdul Rauf Azhar, a commander of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), China single-handedly blocked the move. Azhar has been implicated in several major terror attacks, including the 1999 Indian Airlines hijacking.

Abdul Rehman Makki (17 June 2022):

China placed a hold on efforts to designate Abdul Rehman Makki, a key figure involved in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, as a global terrorist. Makki is included on the UAPA list of designated terrorists and is sought after for his participation in the Red Fort attack in Delhi in 2000, the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, and assaults on security forces in Jammu and Kashmir.

Masood Azhar (Thrice: 13 March 2019, 2 November 2017, 12 April 2016):

China once again blocked India’s attempt to blacklist Masood Azhar, the leader of JeM and the mastermind behind the 2019 Pulwama attack, despite growing international pressure.

In 2017, India condemned China’s decision to block the listing of Masood Azhar, calling the move “counterproductive.”

In 2016, Azhar publicly thanked China for shielding him from sanctions at the UNSC after the Pathankot attack, which he orchestrated.

Hafiz Saeed (December 2010):

China blocked the UNSC’s bid to impose sanctions on Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and leader of Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD). Additionally, China blocked India’s attempts to have Syed Salahuddin, the head of Hizb-ul Mujahideen, added to the terrorist blacklist.

Syed Salahuddin (December 2010):

China also defended Syed Salahuddin, the leader of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, preventing his listing on the UNSC terror sanctions list.

Masood Azhar (13 March 2009):

China first placed a hold on Masood Azhar’s listing at the UNSC after India moved the proposal following the 26/11 attacks.

China’s repeated actions to shield Pakistan-based terrorists from UN sanctions have raised concerns about its strategic alignment with Pakistan, particularly in the context of terrorism. Despite China’s condemnation of terrorist activities like the Pahalgam attack, its actions at the UNSC have been consistent in protecting key terrorists, undermining international efforts to hold these individuals accountable for their roles in acts of terror. This pattern has persisted from 2009 to 2023.

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Renowned tech magnate Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, recently voiced his discontent with the existing structure of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), criticizing its longstanding inflexibility and advocating for a much-needed reform. 

Musk’s comments have reignited discussions on the persistent desire for a permanent seat in the UNSC, a recognition he believes should be granted based on substantial contributions to its principles. Notably, India has served as a non-permanent member eight times.

This happened on 21 January 2024 during a debate initiated by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, “How can we accept that Africa still lacks a single Permanent Member in the Security Council? Institutions must reflect today’s world, not that of 80 years ago. September’s Summit of the Future will be an opportunity to consider global governance reforms & rebuild trust”.

In the thread Venture capitalist Michael Eisenberg suggested “And what about India? Better yet is to dismantle the UN and build something new with real leadership“.

Elon Musk added, “At some point, there needs to be a revision of the UN bodies. The problem is that those with excess power don’t want to give it up. It is absurd that India, despite being the most populous country on Earth, lacks a permanent seat on the Security Council. In my opinion, Africa collectively should also have a permanent seat.” 

At some point, there needs to be a revision of the UN bodies.

Problem is that those with excess power don’t want to give it up.

India not having a permanent seat on the Security Council, despite being the most populous country on Earth, is absurd.

Africa collectively should…

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 21, 2024

This echoes the sentiments previously expressed by UN General Assembly President Csaba Korosi, who deemed the UNSC in its current form “paralyzed and dysfunctional,” underscoring the urgency for reform in the world body’s highest decision-making panel.

It is noteworthy that, aside from China, the other Permanent Five (P5) countries have lent their support to India’s bid for a permanent seat in the UNSC on multiple occasions. President Joe Biden, in particular, has consistently advocated for India’s permanent representation, emphasizing this stance during a G20 meeting in India in September 2023. The UK has also reiterated its backing for India’s permanent role within the UN body.

Musk’s statement aligns with the broader critique asserting that the current composition of the UNSC does not accurately mirror the geopolitical realities of the 21st century. While Musk’s remarks may not directly shape UN policies, they contribute a prominent voice to the ongoing discourse on the imperative need for reform within UN structures. His statements have garnered attention and have added weight-age to stimulate further dialogue among the international community.

Challenges In Restructuring The United Nations:

The General Assembly faces significant internal divisions, with five negotiating groups among the 193 member countries often neutralizing one another. historically permanent members lacked enthusiasm for UN system reform, they now acknowledge its necessity, particularly concerning changes in the Security Council. Established in 1945 by the UN Charter, the UNSC consists of 15 members, including P5 and 10 non-permanent members serving two-year terms. 

The effectiveness of the UNSC is hindered by its lack of representation, notably the absence of Africa with its 54 countries. Current global issues, complex and interconnected, suffer from a lack of geopolitical and geo-economic representation, excluding significant voices in the highest security council like India. 

A critical issue revolves around the misuse of veto power, often criticized as a “self-chosen club of the privileged.” The special veto power, allows any of the five permanent members to block resolutions or decisions, hindering the Council’s ability to act in the current global security environment.

Geopolitical rivalries among the P5, including the United States, Russia, and China, further impede effective UNSC mechanisms to address global issues. Current examples, such as the Taiwan issue and the Russia-Ukraine war, underscore how internal rivalries hinder the Council’s ability to respond effectively.

A threat to state sovereignty arises from the UNSC’s role as the principal organ of international peacekeeping and conflict resolution. Unlike the General Assembly, UNSC decisions are binding on all member countries, potentially encroaching on a state’s sovereignty through actions like imposing sanctions.

In September 2022, India took steps toward UNSC reform by convening a meeting of the G4 and L69 groups in New York during the UN General Assembly, highlighting the ongoing efforts to address these reform challenges.

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The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) which is now under the Presidency of India, will meet on Friday (August 6) to discuss the security situation in Afghanistan as the Taliban continues to commit human rights violations.

On Thursday (August 5), Afghanistan Foreign Minister Mohammed Haneef Atmar spoke with India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to discuss convening an emergency UN Security Council Session.

“UN #SecurityCouncil will meet on Friday, 6th August, under Indian Presidency to discuss and take stock of the situation in #Afghanistan,” India’s Permanent Representative to the UN and Security Council President for the month of August, Ambassador TS Tirumurti, said in a tweet.

In a tweet, Afghan Foreign Minister Atmar stated emphatically that the UN and the international community must play a stronger role in stopping Taliban brutality and atrocities that threaten to plunge Afghanistan into turmoil, saying, “Appreciate the lead role of the current UNSC President.”

Following the withdrawal of US and NATO soldiers from Afghanistan, fighting between the Taliban and government forces has intensified, with the Taliban now controlling huge swaths of land and have started to enforce Sharia law.

In response to a question about the situation in Afghanistan and what the UN Security Council can do to prevent further escalation, Ambassador Tirumurti told reporters at the UN Headquarters that he expects “probably the Security Council will be looking at this aspect sooner rather than later” on Afghanistan.

It’s also worth noting that India’s election as Security Council President for the month of August is particularly advantageous for the Afghan government because it underlined the urgency of the current situation in Afghanistan within the first week of its presidency. Aghanistan is a matter of deep concern for all members of the Security Council, according to Ambassador Tirumurti, and “we have observed that the violence is only rising in recent days.”

India’s stated position was very clear and Tirumurti said, “we want to see an independent, peaceful, democratic and a stable Afghanistan. India has supported every opportunity that can bring peace, security and stability in Afghanistan.”

“We are convinced that…we should address the question of violence and the targeted attacks and these are very serious concerns and all violence must come to an end. Ties with international terrorism should also be cut. We cannot have terrorist camps once again moving back into Afghanistan. And this will have a direct impact on India,” Tirumurti had said.

He also emphasised the importance of safeguarding the advances made over the last nearly two decades, as well as respecting the aspirations of Afghan women, youth, and minorities.

On Tuesday, the Security Council condemned the “deplorable” attack on the UN compound in Herat, Afghanistan, and expressed “deep concern” about the high levels of violence in the war-torn country following the Taliban’s military offensive, making it clear that the Council will “not support the restoration of the Islamic Emirate.”

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Featured Image: Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar (File Photo)

As India keeps sending its indigenously manufactured vaccines to counter the COVID-19 pandemic, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday (17 February) announced that India would gift two lakh doses of India-made vaccines to UN Peacekeeping forces.

Jaishankar made the announcement while delivering an address at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Open Debate on the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

In his virtual address to the UN Security Council, Jaishankar said, “Keeping in mind the UN Peacekeepers who operate in such difficult circumstances, we would like to announce today a gift of 200,000 doses for them.”

Made in India vaccines supplied to 25 nations: 49 countries across the world will be added soon.

Announced gift of 200,000 doses to UN Peacekeepers.https://t.co/TwG3Y4CsXw

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 17, 2021

Quoting the Bhagavad Gita, Jaishankar said, “Do your work with the welfare of others always in mind.”
 
Shortly after the announcement, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti tweeted, “Protecting the Protectors! External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar announces a gift of 200,000 doses of vaccines for UN peacekeepers at #UNSC. India responds immediately to request of @UN Secretary-General @antonioguterres.”

Protecting the Protectors!

External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar announces a gift of 200,000 doses of vaccines for UN peacekeepers at #UNSC

India responds immediately to request of @UN Secretary General @antonioguterres!#VaccineMaitri @WHO @UNPeacekeeping @gavi pic.twitter.com/sXPbYzOVfU

— Amb T S Tirumurti (@ambtstirumurti) February 17, 2021

Jaishankar told the UNSC that India is now the ‘pharmacy of the world’ and is working to provide critical medicines, diagnostic kits, ventilators and PPEs to more than 150 countries. He added that almost 80 nations will receive aid from India on a grant basis.

“Today, the pharmacy of the world is stepping forward to meet the global vaccines challenge,” he said.

He also informed the council that that two vaccines, including one that is indigenously developed, have already been granted emergency authorisation and as many as 30 vaccine candidates are under various stages of development.

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In a major reversal to Pakistan backed Taliban, the Afghan forces in Helmand and Kandahar province managed to eliminate over 150 Pakistan terrorists operating in Afghanistan according to information released by the Afghan interior affairs ministry Sunday (November 15).

In a press conference, the interior affairs ministry’s spokesman Tariq Arian said, “At least 55 Taliban commanders have been killed in Helmand and Kandahar provinces in Afghan forces operations in response to their attacks and 152 Pakistani fighters were killed in Helmand,”.

Taliban which is in midst of peace negotiation with the democratically elected Afghan government had launched a series of attacks on the Afghan security forces in the last few months.

Also, a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) report states that around 6,500 Pakistan terrorists are operating in Afghanistan most of them belonging to the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

A report published by the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team concerning ISIS, al-Qaida and associated jihadist entities stated that the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a “large terrorist group present in Afghanistan”, has claimed responsibility for various high-profile attacks in Pakistan and has facilitated others by Jamaat-ul-Ahrar and Lahskhar-e-Islam, the report said.

With the rise of ISIS in Afganistan, many former TTP terrorists have joined Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant – Khorasan (ISIL-K).

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In another victory against China, India received more votes than China to become the member of the United Nations Commission on Status of Women (CSW), a body of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

India, Afghanistan and China had contested the elections to the Commission on Status of Women but when the votes were tabulated among the 54 members, China could not cross the half-way mark.

TS Tirumurti, permanent representative of India to the United Nations tweeted, “India wins seat in prestigious ECOSOC body! India elected member of Commission on Status of Women (CSW). It’s a ringing endorsement of our commitment to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in all our endeavours. We thank member states for their support.”

India wins seat in prestigious #ECOSOC body!

India elected Member of Commission on Status of Women #CSW. It’s a ringing endorsement of our commitment to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in all our endeavours.

We thank member states for their support. @MEAIndia pic.twitter.com/C7cKrMxzOV

— Amb T S Tirumurti (@ambtstirumurti) September 14, 2020

India will be a member of United Nation’s Commission on Status of Women for four years, from 2021 to 2025. On June 18, 2020, India received overwhelming support and was elected as one of the non-permanent members to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) with a majority of 184 votes out of 192, where the minimum requirement was 128.

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India has demanded that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) be reformed at the earliest. In a letter to the UNGA President, India has once again stated that concrete action is necessary, highlighting that the process has lagged on for over a decade.

India’s letter comes in reference to ‘Common African Position‘ – that stresses about the aspirations of the African counties to get their rightful place in an expanded UNSC. India has asked a swift action for the UNSC reform with respect to ‘Common African Position’ that has been delayed by those ‘who do not want reform’ in the UN.

This letter sent by India to the UN Security Council, states that India will continue to raise its voice for tangible action for strengthening the world body.

Right now only five nations, the United States, Great Britain, France, Russia and China are permanent members. India being the world’s largest democracy, along with Brazil, Germany and Japan (the Group of 4 or G4 countries) for long, asked for their rightful place at the UN high table as a permanent member.

The G4 (India, Brazil, Germany and Japan), in a common letter, demands concrete action on UNSC reforms. The process has lagged on for over a decade without progress: Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, New York pic.twitter.com/PMtyrr3v12

— ANI (@ANI) September 1, 2020

Former Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin, in 2019 had said on the issue of ‘Categories of Membership’ that a total of “113 member states out of the 122 which submitted their positions in the Framework Document, support expansion in both of the existing categories specified in the Charter.”

India has been fighting for its right to get membership as permanent Security Council member for years. However, it has the full support of four members, except China which has used its veto powers to stop India’s entry into the apex security body.

Earlier this year, India was overwhelmingly elected as a non-permanent member to the UNSC for the eighth-time. India was the only country from the Asia-Pacific Group and won the election unopposed.

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