United Nations Secretary General António Guterres called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on February 20, 2026, holding wide-ranging discussions on global governance, artificial intelligence regulation, multilateral cooperation, and urgent reforms of the United Nations system.
India Backs Global Scientific Panel on AI
During the interaction, President Murmu welcomed Secretary General Guterres’ proposal to establish a global scientific panel on Artificial Intelligence. The initiative aims to ensure that AI technologies serve humanity responsibly and equitably.
The President expressed India’s support for international cooperation in AI governance, emphasizing the need for ethical frameworks that balance innovation with safeguards. India recently hosted the AI Impact Summit, which brought together global stakeholders to deliberate on emerging technologies and regulatory mechanisms.
Secretary General Guterres appreciated India’s leadership in convening the summit and acknowledged the country’s constructive engagement with the United Nations across multiple sectors.
Call for Urgent UN Security Council Reforms
A significant portion of the meeting focused on reforming the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). President Murmu highlighted that the existing structure no longer reflects contemporary geopolitical realities.
She pointed out that multilateralism is facing serious challenges at a time of global instability, and a widening trust deficit threatens the effectiveness of international institutions. According to the President, reforming the UNSC is essential to maintaining the relevance and credibility of the United Nations.
The President emphasized that the Global South must be given a stronger voice in global decision-making processes. India has consistently advocated for expansion and restructuring of the Security Council to ensure fair representation.
Official details of the meeting were shared by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India. More information can be accessed on the PIB portal at https://pib.gov.in.
‘UN-80’ Initiative and Developmental Priorities
President Murmu also referred to the ‘UN-80’ initiative as a potential platform for reform discussions. However, she stressed that any restructuring process must protect the developmental priorities of the Global South.
India has repeatedly argued that reforms should not dilute commitments to sustainable development, climate action, and equitable economic growth for developing nations.
The President reiterated that urgent structural reforms are not merely procedural adjustments but a necessity to ensure the UN remains effective in addressing contemporary challenges.
India’s Continued Support for Multilateralism
Concluding the meeting, President Murmu conveyed her best wishes to Secretary General Guterres for the remainder of his tenure. She reaffirmed India’s full support for multilateral cooperation and global partnerships.
India’s engagement with the United Nations spans peacekeeping, climate negotiations, sustainable development goals, and technology governance. The latest interaction reinforces New Delhi’s commitment to shaping a more inclusive and future-ready global system.
As global power dynamics shift and technological advancements accelerate, the discussions at Rashtrapati Bhavan signal India’s determination to actively shape the evolving multilateral architecture rather than merely adapt to it.
