In a compromise bid, India and its G-4 partners — Germany, Japan and Brazil — have agreed to forego for 15 years their demand for veto power for the new permanent members of an expanded UN Security Council.
The change of stance by the four joint contenders for permanent seats is set out in a revised G-4 draft resolution circulated to the UN's 191 member nations on Wednesday.
Washington's reaction to the new formulation is awaited but Beijing has sought to dismiss the plan as "immature" and stressing that "a big divergence still exists on UNSC reforms".
Also, the rival formation called 'Uniting for Consensus' that is led by Italy, Pakistan and Mexico aren't inclined to give in easily. While Pakistan opposes India's candidature, Italy opposes Germany's and China is resolute against Japan joining the exclusive club.
The G-4 nations said the veto issue "is best dealt with by the general members" in a review 15 years after the proposed changes come into force.
India, which has been in the forefront of the demand for non-discriminatory veto power, says it has not moved away from the principle. Nirupam Sen, India's ambassador to the UN, said that the veto issue may have been deferred for now, but the principle remains intact.
{{/usCountry}}India, which has been in the forefront of the demand for non-discriminatory veto power, says it has not moved away from the principle. Nirupam Sen, India's ambassador to the UN, said that the veto issue may have been deferred for now, but the principle remains intact.
{{/usCountry}}During the 15-year interregnum, member nations would have the time to judge the contributions made by the new permanent members and decide whether the veto power should be extended to them, Sen said.
The revised G-4 draft follows weeks of hectic consultations after the original one hit a wall.