India seeks support of Pacific Island nations on UN reforms

India has sought support from Pacific Island nations for text-based negotiations at the United Nations for expansion of the UN Security Council.

“This year marks the 70th anniversary of the United Nations. UNSC reform and expansion will be discussed and concrete proposals are expected to be considered in the forthcoming UNGA session next month,” President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday told the leaders and dignitaries from the Pacific Island nations. “An intergovernmental negotiating text is already on the table, for which we need your support,” he said.

His appeal to the leaders of Pacific Island nations came at a time when New Delhi is upset over recent revelations about Russia and United States joining hands with China to block text-based negotiations for expansion of the Security Council.

Presidents and prime ministers of nine countries – Fiji, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tuvalu and Vanuatu – are in India for the second FIPIC summit, which is scheduled to be held in Jaipur on Friday.

The Vice-President from Micronesia and Deputy Prime Minister from Solomon Islands will also take part in the conclave. Cook Islands, Kiribati and Tonga will be represented by ministers and senior officials.

Twelve of the 14 Pacific Island nations can vote in the United Nations General Assembly and, of them, 10 already extended support for India’s candidacy for a permanent seat in the Security Council.

Of the two others, one extended tacit support by endorsing the resolution of the G-4, a bloc that comprises India, Japan, Germany and Brazil – all seeking permanent seats for themselves in the Security Council.

“We greatly appreciate the support we have received from you for our candidature for permanent membership of an expanded UN Security Council,” said Mukherjee, as the leaders called on him at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

“Our nations share a common commitment to the reform of institutions of global governance – so that they better reflect the aspirations of developing countries. We believe that it is vital for us to work together to push for these long awaited reforms in the forthcoming session of the UN General Assembly,” added Mukherjee.

The FIPIC came into existence and had its first summit in Suva in November 2014 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the capital of Fiji. 

Modi will address the Pacific Island nations’ leaders in Jaipur on Friday.