The G4 nations of Brazil, Germany, Japan and India have asserted that the mandate of the United Nations’ Inter-Governmental Negotiations is to achieve the long-pending reforms of the UNSC and not endlessly debate it. 

• The Inter-Governmental Negotiations (IGN) format has long outlived its sell-by date and must be made transparent to ensure progress on the reform discussions, they said. 
• India has been calling for the reform of the UN Security Council (UNSC) along with Brazil, Germany and Japan for long, emphasising that it rightly deserves a place at the UN high table as a permanent member. 
• The G4 nations support each other’s bids for permanent seats on the UNSC. 

NOTE: In 2008 the General Assembly adopted Decision 62/557 “to commence intergovernmental negotiations (IGN) in informal plenary of the General Assembly”.  

• Up until the 22008 Decision was adopted, discussions on Security Council reform were nothing more than an oral exchange of views.  
• With the creation of the IGN, the aim was have a text on which discussions could be based.  
• The first round of the IGN was held on 19 February 2009.  
• The General Assembly has renewed its mandate annually, and it remains the principal vehicle for Council reform discussions today.  
• To date, the IGN has not been able to agree on a text to be negotiated 

Source: The Hindu