India, Iceland reaffirms urgent need for UNSC reform

India and Iceland on Tuesday affirmed the urgent need for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council, including its expansion in both permanent and non-permanent categories, so as to make it more effective, efficient and representative of the contemporary geo-political realities.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Foreign Minister of Iceland Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson discussed the issue during the latter's visit to India from April 3 to 9.

Iceland re-affirmed its support to India as a permanent member in an expanded United Nations Security Council.

The two countries expressed support for forward movement in the Intergovernmental Negotiations on United Nations Security Council reforms, and reiterated their commitment to initiate text-based negotiations within the 70th Session of the UN General Assembly.

Both the ministers stressed their shared interest in promoting women's rights and gender equality.

Sveinsson briefed Swaraj on the second Barbershop Conference to be held at the UN in New York next May. Both the ministers agreed to encourage the participation of UN Permanent Representations in the event.