India, 3 other G-4 countries hold discussions

India and three other G-4 countries today deliberated on developments on the Security Council reform agenda at the Inter-Governmental Negotiations at the UN in moving towards text-based negotiations.
The Directors General on UN Affairs and Permanent Representatives to the UN of India, Brazil, Germany and Japan met here to exchange views on the issue of the UNSC reform.
"The meeting discussed the developments on the Security Council reform agenda at the Inter-Governmental Negotiations (IGN) at the United Nations in moving towards text-based negotiations," a joint statement said.
They expressed full support to the Chair of the IGN in the 70th GA Session in her important role of facilitating a concrete outcome of the process, it said.

"In this regard, the meeting emphasised the G-4 resolve to work together with all Member States, including within the IGN process, and to accelerate outreach towards achieving an early and meaningful reform of the Security Council," the statement said.
The G4 nations support each other's bids for permanent seats on the UNSC. India has been strongly pushing for its membership at the UNSC.

Syed Akbaruddin, India's permanent representative at the United Nations, was also present at the meeting.
"The G-4 meeting emphasised the core message that a more representative, legitimate and effective Security Council which is reflective of the current geo-political realities is needed more than ever to better address global conflicts and crises," the statement said.

"The G-4 members reiterated their commitments as aspiring new permanent members of the reformed UN Security Council, as well as their support for each other's candidatures. They also reaffirmed their view of the importance of developing countries, in particular from Africa, to be represented in both the permanent and non-permanent categories of an enlarged Council," it added.
"Deliberating Security Council reform in Delhi. Senior diplomats of G4 nations met to advance @UN reform agenda," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted.
The DGs agreed to hold their next meeting in Japan in June.