India (Commonwealth Union)_ India‘s quest for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has garnered significant backing from key global players, notably the United States, United Kingdom, Russia, and France. This growing international support marks a pivotal moment for India, which has previously held a non-permanent seat on eight occasions, most recently from 2021 to 2022. Despite this progress, the intricate voting dynamics of the UNSC and geopolitical challenges persist, posing hurdles for India’s aspiration for permanent membership. Notably, four of the five permanent members (P5) have expressed support for India’s inclusion. Hence, with robust support from major powers such as the United States, France, and the United Kingdom, India finds itself at a critical juncture in its UNSC mission.
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Support from key global leaders
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer
The United Kingdom recently joined the chorus of support, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer advocating for India’s permanent membership in the UNSC. During the United Nations General Assembly’s seventy-ninth session, Starmer emphasized the need for the UNSC to evolve into a more representative body. He articulated his vision for the inclusion of not only India but also Brazil, Germany, and Japan as permanent members, alongside a commitment to increased representation for African nations. Starmer said, “The UNSC has to change to become a more representative body. We want to see permanent African representation on the Council, Brazil, India, Japan, and Germany as permanent members, and more seats for elected members as well”.
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French President Emmanuel Macron
Following Starmer’s statement, French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated his strong endorsement of India’s bid. In his address to the UN General Assembly, Macron underscored the necessity for a more effective and representative Security Council. He expressed that a reformed UNSC should include permanent seats for countries like India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan, along with representatives chosen by African nations. This sentiment reflects a growing consensus among major powers regarding the need for UNSC reform. Macron said, “As long as we have a Security Council that is blocked, I would say, reciprocally according to the interests of each party, we will have difficulty moving forward. So let’s just make these United Nations more effective, first by perhaps making them more representative. That is why France, and I repeat here, is in favor of the Security Council being expanded”.
US President Joe Biden
Adding to this momentum, US President Joe Biden also voiced his support for India’s permanent membership during discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Biden underscored the importance of reforming global institutions to better reflect contemporary geopolitical realities, asserting that India’s voice is crucial in this discourse. Additionally, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also endorsed India’s bid, highlighting a notable shift in US foreign policy towards strengthening India’s role on the global stage.
Russia’s support
Russia has consistently supported India’s aspirations for permanent membership in the UNSC. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated this stance upon his arrival in New York for the UN General Assembly. Lavrov emphasized the underrepresentation of developing countries in the UNSC and confirmed Russia’s backing for India, Brazil, and African nations seeking permanent membership. His comments reflect a broader desire among several nations for a more equitable representation in global governance structures. Lavrov stated, “Developing countries are under-represented in the Security Council, so, as we have always been saying, we support India and Brazil’s interest and legitimate aspiration to be included in the Security Council”.
China’s opposition
In contrast, China maintains a firm opposition to India’s bid for a permanent seat. Viewing India as a potential rival in the region, China is unlikely to support any changes that would diminish its own influence as an Asian permanent member of the UNSC. Additionally, the ongoing border disputes between India and China further complicate this dynamic, as Beijing is resistant to altering the existing composition of the UN Security Council.
The importance of India’s membership
India has long argued for its rightful place in the UNSC, asserting that the current structure, established in 1945, no longer reflects the realities of the 21st century. Accordingly, New Delhi contends that the UNSC must evolve to accommodate the changing global landscape, which includes recognizing the influence and contributions of emerging powers. During the recent ‘Summit of the Future,’ UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the UNSC as outdated, warning that without reform, it risks losing credibility.
Furthermore, India’s bid for a permanent seat is bolstered by its substantial contributions to UN peacekeeping missions, its commitment to international law, and its role as an advocate for the Global South. Analysts argue that India’s demographic weight, economic power, and historical support for UN initiatives make it a strong candidate for permanent membership. Notably, India’s bid received additional support from nations like Bhutan, Portugal, and Chile during the recent UN General Assembly session, reinforcing the notion that India’s inclusion would enhance the legitimacy and effectiveness of the UNSC.
Prime Minister Modi’s advocacy for reform
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently emphasized the need for reforming the UN to enhance its relevance. Speaking at the UN General Assembly, Modi articulated that reforms are essential for maintaining global peace and development. He highlighted the disparity in representation, questioning how the UNSC can effectively represent the world when major regions like Africa and Latin America are overlooked. In a multipolar world, Modi asserted that institutions must adapt to contemporary realities to remain relevant. His calls for reform echo the sentiments of numerous world leaders who seek a more inclusive and representative global governance framework.
Addressing the United Nations Summit of the Future at the UN General Assembly in New York, Modi said, “For global peace and development, reforms in global institutions are necessary. Reform is the path to relevance”. One of Modi’s earlier argument is as follows: He had asked, “How can we talk of it as a primary organ of a global body, when entire continents of Africa and Latin America are ignored ? How can it claim to speak for the world when its most populous country, and its largest democracy, is not a permanent member?”.
What’s ahead?
The current UNSC is composed of five permanent members, Russia, the United Kingdom, China, France, and the United States, alongside ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. India’s bid for a permanent seat is not merely a reflection of its rising global influence but also an essential step toward creating a more representative UNSC that mirrors today’s geopolitical landscape. With strong support from key nations such as the United States, France, and the United Kingdom, India’s bid for permanent membership has gained unprecedented traction. However, achieving these reforms necessitates extensive diplomatic engagement. Overcoming opposition, particularly from China, and building consensus among UN member states will be crucial for realizing meaningful change within the UN Security Council. As the global community grapples with evolving challenges, the push for a reformed UNSC that includes India could pave the way for a more equitable and effective system of international governance.
