India warns of UN liquidity crisis as unpaid dues remain critically high

India has flagged growing concerns about the liquidity crisis facing the United Nations, cautioning that the organization faces a challenging cash position in 2026 amid persistent collection uncertainties. Surendra Adhana, Counsellor at India's Permanent Mission to the UN, delivered the statement during the 81st Main Session of the Fifth Committee of the UN General Assembly, which is reviewing measures to improve the organization's financial health.

"We consider that full, timely and unconditional payment of assessed contribution is the Charter obligation of every Member State," Adhana said during Monday's session. He emphasized that India views the payment of assessed contributions as a fundamental responsibility enshrined in the UN Charter, underscoring New Delhi's commitment to meeting its financial obligations.

While unpaid assessments in the regular budget have decreased to USD 1.46 billion from USD 1.87 billion the previous year, Adhana noted that this reduction remains insufficient. "The unpaid assessment continued to remain at unacceptably high levels, and over 90 per cent of member states have not made full payment," he stated, highlighting the scale of the financial challenge facing the organization.

The Fifth Committee session comes as the UN grapples with mounting financial pressures that threaten its operational capacity. India's intervention underscores growing international concern that without stronger compliance from member states, the organization's ability to deliver on its mandates could be severely compromised in the coming years.