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“India must strive to become a semi-permanent member of the UNSC, rather than a permanent member without the right to veto.” Comment. 10 Marks. (UPSC CSE Mains 2024- Political Science and International Relations, Paper 2).
An aspirational superpower, India believes that it has been unfairly denied a seat at the high table. Several visiting foreign political dignitaries and international coalitions that have pushed for UNSC reforms have also voiced support for India''s candidacy for permanent membership of the Security Council. However, despite persistent lobbying by India, there are four key challenges India must overcome before it secures veto power in the United Nations.
China''s Opposition - Among the five permanent security council members all except China - the US, the UK, France, and Russia - have categorically supported India''s candidature in the past. As a close competitor of India in regional and international politics, China - the only Asian country with a security council seat - is unwilling to endorse New Delhi''s position.
Disagreement On Membership Without Veto Power - Groups including Uniting for Consensus (UfC) - a powerful coalition led by Italy, with other members including Canada, Mexico, Spain, Pakistan, South Korea and Turkey - have advocated the addition of non-permanent members will make the UN more accountable and representative by accommodating relevant regional voices in the decision-making process.
Western concerns that India may not align with US priorities - The US has, in principle, endorsed India gaining a permanent seat on the security council. But not everyone believes US policymakers will actually support such a reform in practice. Prominent US-based policy analyst argued that the US cannot be sure of India''s support on significant strategic matters highlighting that "the current war in Ukraine is a good example... India defines its interest in ways that are not always identical to our own".
The Regional Conundrum - India also faces formidable challenges to its leadership emanating from its own region. South Asia has become a battleground of India-China competition. And while the India-Pakistan rivalry captures most attention, there are major India-related issues that agitate people in Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives and even in Bhutan. With its recent change of government, Bangladeshis no longer on the same page. Queries over India''s regional leadership raises questions over its claims to be a global power.
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And hence
There are structural and more prominent geopolitical factors that overshadow India''s chances to acquire security council permanent membership.
Policy analysts and think tanks suggest that a new category of semi-permanent members should be created and countries would be elected for a period of 8 to 10 years and would be eligible for re-election. India’s candidature to become a semi-permanent member of the UNSC, rather than a permanent member without the right to veto is highly workable in the near future opines the strategists.
Though India is on firm path of Economic growth, it has been performing poorly in socio-economic indicators like the Human Development Index, which might become a consideration factor. Further, India still heavily relies on weaponry imports from US and Russia for its military requirements; which questions its abilities to operate beyond the Indo-pacific region. India must make more concerted efforts to address criticisms to further legitimise its demand for permanent membership. India needs better engagement with the region and much more internal work to strengthen its claim further.
POSTED ON 19-03-2025 BY ADMIN
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