Modi asks G20 leaders to reform Security Council

'Institutions that do not adapt to change tend to lose their relevance over time'

- Gireesh Chandra Prasad

• Modi also suggested a human-centric vision for world leaders rather than a "GDP-centric" one

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged world leaders assembled at the G20 leaders’ summit to make global structures, including the UN Security Council, reflective of current realities.

Speaking at a summit session, Modi made India’s claim for permanent membership of the UNSC unambiguous and cautioned that it is a natural law that individuals and institutions that do not adapt to change tend to lose their relevance over time. The five permanent UN members with veto power in the world body are the US, UK, France, Russia and China.

Modi’s call to secure a seat for India at the UNSC comes against the backdrop of India presenting itself as the voice of the Global South, championing the cause of developing and least-developed countries. It comes a day after G20 nations according permanent membership to the 55-member African Union in G20, based on a proposal by India.