Ukraine war one issue that makes obvious UNSC must be reformed, says UNGA chief

In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office said that during the meeting, Korosi “lauded India’s transformational initiatives for communities, including in the area of water resource management and conservation. Acknowledging India’s efforts towards reformed multilateralism, Mr Korosi underscored the importance of India being at the forefront of efforts to reform global institutions.”

The UNGA president’s handle tweeted later in the evening, “Glad to call on PM Modi. Appreciated his focused views on identifying simple, scalable & sustainable solutions that can transform societies. Discussed ways India can contribute to true transformation of the water crisis through initiatives like Global Water Info System.”

Stating that Modi thanked Korosi “for making India his first bilateral visit since assuming office”, the PMO said he appreciated Korosi’s “approach based on science and technology to find solutions to global problems”. Modi also assured Korosi of “India’s fullest support to his Presidency initiatives during the 77th UNGA, including the UN 2023 Water Conference”.

“The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of reforming the multilateral system, including the UN Security Council, so as to truly reflect contemporary geopolitical realities,” it stated.

On a three-day visit to India, Kőrösi also met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.

Kőrösi said, “We discussed the issue of war in Ukraine with Mr Jaishankar. It (war in Ukraine) is one of the issues why it is quite obvious that the Security Council must be reformed. The Security Council was created in 1945 to be the prime responsible body to make sure that there will be no wars, no major conflicts. All conflicts should be resolved by peaceful means.”

Now, he pointed out, the world is witness to the fact that one permanent Security Council member (Russia) has “committed an aggression against its neighbour and annexed its territory, and the Security Council is not in the position to take any decision…because veto power in hands of its own (UNSC) member”.

Kőrösi said veto power was granted in the UN Charter 77 years ago to encourage each other, but it has turned out that the power is being used to block.

Highlighting India’s role in the wake of Russia’s war on Ukraine, Kőrösi said New Delhi was very active in all Ukraine-related issues.

Stressing the need for reforms in UNSC, Kőrösi said while the permanent members have traditionally not been too enthusiastic, they have declared that they are ready to consider reforms of the Security Council.

Asked whether the issue of cross-border terrorism came up during his discussions, Korosi said while it was “not on the agenda today, I am fully aware how important this issue is in this country and some other parts of the world”.

On China violating India’s sovereignty, he said, “All conflicts must be resolved by peaceful manners.”

Kőrösi also met NITI Aayog officials and discussed “ideas and solutions on water conservation, transition to a circular economy”.