United Nations Security Council

During a recent UN Security Council debate, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that the UNSC has not adapted to global changes. He advocated for a permanent seat for Africa, highlighting the undervaluation of Africa's perspectives. Dennis Francis, President of the UN General Assembly, echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for urgent reform to ensure equitable representation.

Two key advisers to Donald Trump propose a plan to end Russia's war in Ukraine if Trump wins the presidency, involving conditions for US weapons support to Ukraine based on peace talks, while coercing Moscow to negotiate or face increased US aid to Ukraine. Kremlin and Ukraine officials have not commented.

Russian president Vladimir Putin met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang, marking a significant shift in Russia-North Korea relations amid their international isolation. They discussed deepening ties and shared a vision for a multipolar world, with implications for security and economic cooperation against Western influence.

Israeli strikes hit Gaza on Friday as truce talks with Hamas militants failed to progress and tensions surged on Israel's northern border with Lebanon. Israel's military on Friday said troops continued operations in central Gaza, where warplanes had struck a militant cell and "military structure" in the Zeitun area.

G7 foreign ministers expressed grave concern over increasing cooperation between Russia and North Korea, especially regarding arms transfers from Pyongyang to Moscow for potential use in attacking Ukraine. Recent sanctions by their governments aim to impose costs on entities involved in these transfers. The ministers condemned the use of such arms to strike Ukraine.

Algeria proposes a UN resolution for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, urging the release of all Hamas hostages. The resolution calls on Israel to halt its military offensive in Rafah following a deadly incident. The Security Council is set to vote on the resolution soon, requiring nine affirmative votes without vetoes from key nations.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol agreed to initiate diplomatic and security dialogue and resume free trade talks, while tensions around Taiwan were discussed with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. This occurred ahead of the first trilateral summit in over four years between China, South Korea, and Japan, amidst ongoing US-China rivalry and regional tensions.

Addressing the open debate under the agenda item "Maintenance of international peace and security," Kamboj emphasised the longstanding friendship between India and Africa, rooted in historical ties and shared solidarity.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said Thursday Seoul would keep strong ties with Ukraine and a "smooth" relationship with Russia, while ruling out direct weapon shipments to Kyiv. Yoon said his country's ties with Moscow had been strained by what Seoul and ally Washington say are arms shipments from North Korea to Russia, for use in Ukraine.

Nadia Murad's harrowing tale of survival and advocacy against ISIS atrocities, supported by Amal Clooney, exemplifies courage and resilience.

Tesla and Space X CEO Elon Musk's tweet from January has caught the attention of the US, possibly paving the way for India to get a permanent seat at the UNSC. Musk said in his tweet that it's 'crazy' that India doesn't have a permanent UNSC seat. He also said that powerful nations are hesitant to give up their power.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday expressed confidence that India will secure permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council. He acknowledged a growing global sentiment favoring India's inclusion but emphasised the need for intensified efforts to achieve this goal. Jaishankar highlighted the circumstances of the UN's formation about 80 years ago when five nations—China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States—established themselves as permanent members of the Security Council.

In its first demand to halt fighting, the United Nations Security Council on Monday demanded for a cease-fire in Gaza during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The resolution also includes a demand for the release of all hostages taken captive during Hamas’ surprise attack in southern Israel on October 7.

The US presents a draft resolution for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza at the UN Security Council, emphasizing diplomatic efforts and hostage release. Russia advocates for a stronger stance on ceasefire. The resolution condemns Hamas attacks on Israel and aims to protect civilians and deliver aid, facing challenges from differing demands.

Ishaq Dar, former finance minister, appointed as Pakistan's foreign minister. Shehbaz Sharif completes Cabinet formation. Trade ties between Pakistan and India severed due to Kashmir issue. Ministers face challenges in Pakistan's foreign affairs and relations with neighbors.

India criticizes countries using veto powers at UNSC, calls for transparency, and reforms to include troop and police contributing countries, developing countries, and unrepresented regions. Emphasizes the need for open process, effective working methods, and engagement with wider membership. Urges discussion on UNSC report in General Assembly.