India Blasts ‘Disguised Veto’ at UNSC, Seeks Transparency in Terror Listing Process

New York, February 28, 2025 – India severely condemned the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for its less transparent mode of decision-making, especially in the rejection or indefinite postponement of requests for blacklisting terrorist organizations. Describing it as a “disguised veto,” India called for greater transparency in the functioning of the UNSC’s subsidiary bodies, which manage worldwide efforts against terrorism.

Key Concerns Raised by India

???? Transparency Deficit in Terror Listings
India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador P. Harish, was concerned with the way requests for the listing of terrorist individuals and groups are blocked or pending without public disclosure. He contended that the practice dilutes counter-terrorism efforts and enables some countries to shield recognized terrorists for geopolitical reasons.

???? Procedural Reforms Needed
India has demanded urgent reforms in the Sanctions Committees and the other UNSC institutions to enable greater accountability. India highlighted that all terror listings decisions ought to be made in a transparent and even-handed way, instead of dominated by a few countries.

???? Blocking of Proposals Without Justification
Each year, various India-backed proposals for listing Pakistan-based terrorists under the UN sanctions regime have been hampered or set back by permanent members, among them China. These actions have frustrated international anti-terrorism efforts as well as aroused concerns regarding political biases in the UNSC.

Implications and Global Reactions

✔️ India’s Initiatives on UNSC Reforms – This step is a part of India’s larger call for structural reforms in the UNSC, such as enlargement of permanent membership and ending the monopoly of a handful of countries on key decisions.

✔️ Consequences on Counter-Terrorism Efforts – Non-transparency in terror designations undermines the global anti-terrorism effort, enabling designated individuals and groups to function freely under political shelter.

✔️ Rising Pressure on the UN – India’s demand for transparency is set against rising international criticism of the UNSC’s failure to act on key security threats owing to procedural loopholes.

What’s Next?

???? India will persist in seeking UNSC reforms to achieve transparent decision-making regarding terror listings.
???? UNSC restructuring discussions are likely to pick up speed, with increasing support from other countries angered by the council’s operations.
???? Global counter-terrorism efforts may be further hampered if sweeping reforms are not made in the near future.

India’s strong stand is a call for renewed accountability at the UN, that political interests are not allowed to take precedence over global security initiatives. The next few months will be decisive in deciding whether the UNSC heeds these calls or continues under its current, problematic structure.

Watch this space for more updates on this evolving story.