New York, Sep 22 - India, Brazil and South Africa (IBSA) Monday reaffirmed commitment to multilateralism and to increased participation of developing countries in the decision-making bodies of multilateral organizations and institutions.

The three nations also reiterated the need for the UN to be reformed so as to become more representative and reflective of the needs and priorities of developing countries. The reaffirmation was made at a meeting here among External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna and his counterparts from Brazil and South Africa, Celso Amorim and Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, respectively.

Bearing in mind the importance that developing countries participate in the procedures and deliberations of the UNSC on a continuous and regular basis,ministers recalled the urgent need to expand its permanent and non-permanent categories, in order to increase participation of developing countries in both.

Such expansion would make the UN Security Council more broadly representative, efficient and transparent, would enhance its effectiveness and legitimacy.