India warns of United Nations financial crisis amid rising arrears

India has raised concerns regarding the United Nations' worsening financial situation, noting that unpaid regular budget contributions have reached $1.46 billion for 2026. Additionally, outstanding dues for peacekeeping operations have increased to $4.1 billion, up from $3.7 billion the previous year.

During the 81st session of the UN General Assembly's Fifth Committee, Surendra Adhana, Counsellor at India's Permanent Mission to the UN, urged member states to fulfill their financial obligations. Adhana emphasized that full, timely, and unconditional payment of assessed contributions is a mandatory obligation for every member state under the UN Charter.

India noted that while the number of member states paying regular budget assessments in full rose to 141 in 2026, the remaining arrears remain unacceptably high. Adhana pointed out that more than 90% of these arrears are owed by a single member state. He highlighted that India maintains a record of paying its own assessed contributions in full, on time, and often in advance to support the effective functioning of the organization.