India warns against UNSC membership abuse to shield terrorists

India has cautioned against the weaponisation of UN Security Council membership to legitimise or protect terrorists, underscoring longstanding grievances about the functioning of international counter-terrorism mechanisms.

The warning comes as New Delhi continues to flag what it characterises as a "disguised veto" practice—where permanent UNSC members shield designated terrorist organisations from international sanctions regimes. India has particularly highlighted dysfunctions within the 1267 Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee, the UN body responsible for maintaining and enforcing the consolidated sanctions list against Al-Qaeda and associated entities.

India's position reflects broader frustrations with the committee's operational framework, which New Delhi argues has become susceptible to political leverage by major powers seeking to protect non-state actors aligned with their strategic interests. The committee operates on consensus, effectively allowing any UNSC permanent member to block designations or removals from the terror list.

New Delhi's recurring criticism of these mechanisms reflects India's vulnerability to cross-border terrorism and its push for more stringent international counter-terrorism standards. India has repeatedly urged the UN to strengthen oversight of sanctions committees and reduce opportunities for politicisation of terrorist designation processes.

The issue remains contentious within UN forums, with India joining other nations in advocating for reforms that would enhance the transparency and effectiveness of global counter-terrorism efforts.