India (Commonwealth Union)_ Pakistan officially took its place as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for a two-year term, marking the country’s eighth tenure on the prestigious global body. Pakistan’s top diplomat at the UN, Ambassador Munir Akram, affirmed that the country would take an active and constructive role in addressing the global challenges of today’s world. This development comes at a time of heightened global tensions and conflicts, and while it signals Pakistan’s growing diplomatic presence, it also raises particular concerns for neighboring India.
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Key responsibilities and challenges ahead of Pakistan
As part of its term, Pakistan will assume the rotating presidency of the UNSC in July 2025, allowing the country to set the Council’s agenda. In addition to this, Islamabad has secured a seat on the Islamic State (ISIS) as well as Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee that are responsible for imposing sanctions and designating terrorist groups and individuals. These two roles place Pakistan in a position of significant influence within the UN system, though it does not hold veto power, unlike the permanent members of the UNSC. Despite this, non-permanent members still hold considerable power through consensus-based decision-making.
The term comes at a crucial juncture for global politics. Across Central and Western Asia, the region faces multiple ongoing crises, including the war in Gaza, the Lebanon crisis, and tensions between Israel and Iran. These challenges, along with the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia and Russia’s continued aggression toward Ukraine, define the geopolitical climate. In East Asia, concerns over China’s rising power and North Korea’s military developments are also taking center stage. Pakistan’s presence on the UNSC is set to impact how these crises are managed, with its stance and alliances shaping the international response.
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Pakistan’s election to the UNSC
Pakistan’s election to the UNSC in June 2024 followed a competitive race, during which it secured 182 votes out of the 124 required to win the seat. This overwhelming support came from countries including China, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Malaysia. Pakistan replaces Japan, which previously held the Asian seat on the council. This marks Pakistan’s eighth time serving on the UNSC, with prior tenures spanning from 1952 to 2013. Ambassador Akram emphasized that Pakistan’s contribution would center around addressing global peace and security, particularly in regions with ongoing conflict. The nation’s historical experience in global diplomacy will play a key role in shaping its actions at the Security Council during its term.
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Unfavorable development for India
The election of Pakistan to the UNSC holds significant implications for India, which has long aspired to become a permanent member of the Council. India has consistently advocated for the reform of the UNSC, aiming to secure a permanent seat with veto power. However, some view Pakistan’s UNSC presence as a potential obstacle to India’s ambitions. The two countries share a contentious history, particularly regarding the Kashmir region, and Islamabad is likely to raise the issue on multiple occasions. Pakistan’s ambassador to the UN, Munir Akram, has already signaled that Kashmir will remain a focal point of Pakistan’s diplomacy at the UNSC.
In a statement, he pledged that Pakistan would continue to press for international action on Kashmir, urging the international community to take concrete steps on the issue. This is expected to complicate India’s efforts to achieve its broader objectives within the UNSC. While Pakistan will not have veto rights, it can still exert considerable influence through the sanctions committee and other mechanisms. India, on the other hand, is expected to counter any efforts by Pakistan to bring Kashmir to the forefront by seeking support from its allies, including the United States, Russia, and France, all of whom are permanent members of the UNSC.
India’s diplomatic move
India has made it clear that Kashmir is an integral part of its sovereign territory and considers any international interference in the matter unacceptable. The country’s stance is grounded in the 1972 Simla Agreement, which calls for bilateral dialogue between India and Pakistan over the region. India’s diplomatic strategy will involve strengthening ties with key UNSC members to counter Pakistan’s narrative on Kashmir.
Pakistan’s position in the UNSC also comes at a time when discussions on Council reform are intensifying. While India seeks to expand the permanent membership to include itself, Pakistan has already signaled its opposition to such changes, preferring instead an expansion of non-permanent members. This stance reflects Pakistan’s broader diplomatic goals, particularly within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), where it aims to be a leading voice for the Muslim world, similar to India’s self-designation as the voice of the Global South.
Changing power dynamics
The global power balance within the UNSC is shifting. With Japan, a pro-Western country, exiting as a non-permanent member, Pakistan’s accession adds a significant new voice, particularly as it is backed by China and Russia, both permanent members of the P5. This shift could influence how issues in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa are debated and resolved. Pakistan’s growing influence within the UNSC, combined with its role in regional geopolitics and alliances, makes its term at the Council both an opportunity and a challenge for India.
The next two years will likely see intensified diplomatic efforts as both nations navigate their positions within the UNSC, with the Kashmir dispute remaining a central point of contention. As Pakistan prepares to set the Security Council agenda in 2025, India will be closely monitoring the developments, positioning itself to counter any efforts by Islamabad to undermine its interests. The outcome of these diplomatic maneuvers will have far-reaching consequences for both countries and the broader international community.
