India, Slovakia Back UN Security Council Reforms

India and Slovakia issued a joint statement on 15 June 2026 in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit. The statement called for comprehensive reforms of multilateral institutions, including the United Nations and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), and reiterated support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed and expanded Council.

United Nations Security Council Reform

The United Nations Security Council is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, established under the UN Charter in 1945. It has 15 members, including 5 permanent members and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the UN General Assembly. The joint statement called for expansion in both permanent and non-permanent categories. It also stated that the Council should become more representative, inclusive, effective, and aligned with contemporary geopolitical realities.

India’s Bid for Permanent Membership

Slovakia reiterated its continued support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed UNSC. Prime Minister Robert Fico stated on 15 June 2026 that the Slovak Republic is strongly convinced that countries like India should become permanent members of the Council. India has sought permanent membership in the UNSC as part of wider UN reform discussions. The current permanent members are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, and each holds veto power under Article 27 of the UN Charter.

India-Slovakia Bilateral Relations

India and Slovakia elevated their bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Partnership on 15 June 2026. A Comprehensive Partnership is a formal diplomatic framework used by states to deepen cooperation across political, economic, cultural, and strategic areas. In April 2025, Slovak President Peter Pellegrini extended full support to India’s bid for a permanent seat on the UNSC during a meeting with Indian President Droupadi Murmu in Bratislava.

Other Multilateral Issues

Slovakia also reaffirmed a constructive approach towards India’s membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group on 15 June 2026. The Nuclear Suppliers Group is a 48-member export control arrangement that regulates trade in nuclear-related materials and technology.

Important Facts for Exams

• The United Nations Security Council was created in 1945 under the UN Charter.
• The UNSC has 15 members, including 5 permanent members and 10 non-permanent members.
• The five permanent members are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
• The Nuclear Suppliers Group was formed in 1974 after India’s Pokhran-I nuclear test.

India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations is P. Harish. The UN Security Council reform debate includes expansion of both membership categories and changes in representation.