India (Commonwealth Union)_ In pursuit of a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Dennis Francis, articulated his confidence in India’s capability to shoulder the responsibilities associated with this prestigious role. Acknowledging that the prospect of securing a permanent UNSC membership entails a significant and weighty responsibility, Francis extended his congratulations to India for its aspirations. He noted that the timeline for India’s attainment of this position lies within the purview of the United Nations’ member states, as they deliberate this issue amidst ongoing discussions regarding reforms within the Security Council.
Stressing the dynamic nature of Security Council reform, Francis emphasized that it represents a continuous process rather than a singular event. UNGA President said, “Well, what I can say is, first of all, to congratulate India, on its ambitions to become a member of the UN Security Council. But also to become a permanent member is an extremely weighty responsibility, which I am sure is not beyond the capacity of the government of India. The question of when that will happen will be a question for, the members of the United Nations to decide, in the context of the reform agenda that’s taking place within the Security Council”. He added, “And let me emphasize consistent with what I have said before that security council reform is not an event. It’s a process. In fact, it’s an ongoing process.”
Having recently concluded its two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of the UNSC, where India consistently advocated for Council reforms, the nation’s ambition to attain permanent membership enjoys the support of five influential UNSC member states: France, China, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Additionally, President Francis lauded India as a prominent representative of the Global South, praising the country’s strategic inclusion of the African Union within the G20 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure as a “master stroke” and a “stellar achievement.” This development, which occurred last month under India’s presidency, signifies a pivotal moment in international diplomacy.
President Francis further recognized India’s unique status as a diverse and culturally rich nation, citing it as a source of inspiration for global political success. He noted that India’s pluralism, encompassing a multitude of cultures and languages, serves as a powerful message for the international community. Beyond its representation of the Global South, India is seen as a role model that can impart valuable lessons to the entire international community, transcending geographical and ideological boundaries. He said, “India is already a role model to the world. With so many different cultures, and so many different languages, India is a very diverse and rich country. And, that in itself is a powerful message for political success. I think India also has many lessons that it can share. Not just with the global South, but with the entire international community”.
