India cautions against weaponising UNSC seat to shield terrorist entities

India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations on Wednesday raised concerns that membership of the UN Security Council is being exploited to advance narrow political agendas at the expense of counter-terrorism objectives. Addressing an open debate on the Council's working methods, Ambassador Yojna Patel emphasised that the 15-nation body's primary focus should remain on collective security rather than individual national interests. "Security Council membership brings significant responsibilities. This must not become a platform to pursue narrow political interests," Patel stated. The Indian envoy specifically highlighted the contentious processes governing the listing and de-listing of designated terrorists and terror-related entities under the Council's sanctions regimes. Patel stressed the need for enhanced transparency and objectivity in these procedures, expressing concern that some members have attempted to leverage their Council positions to legitimise terrorist organisations by seeking their removal from international sanctions. India's intervention underscores growing tensions within the Security Council over the criteria and political considerations influencing counter-terrorism designations. New Delhi has previously advocated for strengthened multilateral frameworks to combat cross-border terrorism and prevent the misuse of diplomatic mechanisms by member states seeking to protect designated entities.