India expresses concern over UN’s liquidity position in 2026, says outstanding assessment at ‘unacceptably high level’

Advisor to the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations Surendra Adhana. Credit: X/@AdhanaIfs

India has expressed concern over the UN’s “challenging” liquidity situation this year, pointing to “unacceptably high levels” of unpaid dues owed by just one member state.

“We believe that full, timely and unconditional payment of the assessed contribution is a Charter obligation of every member state,” Adviser at the Permanent Mission of India to the UN Surendra Adhana said on Monday (October 19, 2026).

Mr. Adhana delivered India’s National Statement at the 81st General Session of the Fifth Committee of the United Nations General Assembly on “Improving the Financial Situation of the United Nations”.

“We note with concern that the liquidity situation in 2026 remained challenging due to collection uncertainties and low cash balance,” he said.

“While we have seen a marginal decrease in the current budget arrears to $1.46 billion from $1.87 billion a year ago, the reality is that the outstanding charge remains unacceptably high and more than 90 percent of the current budget arrears is owed by one member state,” he said.

The US is the single largest financial contributor to the UN, paying 22% of the regular budget and 27% of the peacekeeping budget.

In September, Washington paid $725 million to the regular UN budget and another $102 million for peacekeeping. However, the US still owes the UN over $4 billion for its regular budget and peacekeeping arrears.

Mr. Adhana noted that the relief from the strong selection in the third quarter should be maintained. India welcomed that 141 member states had paid their assessment in full by September 30 this year compared to 136 member states last year.

India also expressed concern over the financial situation in UN peacekeeping operations, terming it as “worrisome”.

Mr. Adhana noted that unpaid fees for UN peacekeeping operations reached $4.1 billion, up from $3.7 billion last year, while withdrawals stagnated at around $1.4 billion. “Two member states alone account for roughly 88 percent of this amount,” he said.

The US and China are the two largest contributors to UN peacekeeping operations. China paid $641.4 million in September for its regular contributions to the UN budget.

“We call on all member states, especially those with the necessary resources, to take urgent action to meet their financial obligations. This is essential to ensure a financially sound and debt-free United Nations. It is an integral part of our collective efforts for prudent budgetary and financial management of the organization,” he said.

India consistently pays its dues in full, on time and often in advance. This year, India was among the 55 member states that paid their regular budget estimates in full within 30 days. India paid $35.18 million in February this year.

Published – 20 Oct 2026 11:01 AM IST