Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

The United Nations Security Council, formed in 1946, still reflects a post-WWII power structure through its P5 dominance. With global dynamics shifting, India, backed by its population, economy, peacekeeping role, and multilateral commitment emerges as a strong contender for permanent membership but faces key geopolitical obstacles.

Body

India’s Credentials for a Permanent Seat in the UNSC

• Key Contributor to UN Peacekeeping Operations: India is the second-largest troop contributor (250,000 personnel across 49 missions) to UN peacekeeping missions since their inception.
• Demographic and Economic Weight: India is the most populous country (UN World Population Prospects), with over 1.4 billion people, making its representation crucial in a democratic global order.
  • It is also the world’s 5th largest economy by nominal GDP, and 3rd largest by PPP, contributing significantly to global growth and trade.
• Proven Nuclear Responsibility: Despite being a nuclear-armed state, India maintains a "No First Use" policy and has voluntarily adhered to a moratorium on nuclear testing since 1998.
  • It is a member of key export control regimes like the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and the Wassenaar Arrangement, reinforcing its commitment to non-proliferation norms.
• Strong Record as a Non-Permanent Member: India has served eight terms on the UNSC, where it chaired key committees, including the Counter-Terrorism Committee, and took principled stands on Afghanistan and maritime security.
• Advocate of Global Reform: India consistently champions reformed multilateralism, pushing for a more inclusive and representative global governance system.
  • Through G-77, BRICS, and the India-Africa Forum Summit, India amplifies the voice of the Global South.
  • Recent diplomatic engagements during G20 Presidency (2023) and Voice of Global South Summit (2023) enhanced India's global credibility.

Key Challenges and Geopolitical Hurdles to India’s UNSC Bid:

• P5 Resistance: China poses the most direct opposition, driven by strategic rivalry, border tensions, and its support for Pakistan.
  • Other P5 members are reluctant to dilute their exclusive status, especially by sharing veto power.
• Veto Power Deadlock: Any reform involving veto power faces resistance.
  • While India supports equal rights for new members, models offering permanent seats without veto including the African Union’s Ezulwini Consensus, seek veto abolition or parity, making negotiations more complex.
• Regional Opposition : The Uniting for Consensus (UfC) group, including Pakistan, Italy, South Korea, and Argentina, opposes the G4’s bid, arguing it would reinforce power imbalances.
  • Pakistan, in particular, rejects India’s candidature due to historic tensions and geopolitical rivalry.
• Non-Signatory Status on Key Treaties: India’s non-signature on the NPT and CTBT is cited by some Western nations as a drawback, despite its strong non-proliferation record and advocacy for non-discriminatory global disarmament.
• Stalemate in IGN Process: Since its launch in 2009, the IGN (Intergovernmental Negotiations) process has seen no formal text or agreement, hindered by procedural hurdles and lack of consensus among member states.

Steps India Should Take for Advocating a UNSC Permanent Seat:

• Build Broad-Based Diplomatic Consensus with G4 (with Germany, Japan, Brazil) and L.69 Group to push inclusive reform agenda.
• Leverage Diplomatic Momentum from G20 and Global South Engagements.
• Capitalize on P5 Support (from France, the UK, Russia) while Managing China’s Opposition diplomatically.
• Reaffirm India’s nuclear responsibility and commitment to disarmament to counter NPT/CTBT criticisms.

Conclusion

India’s push for a reformed and representative UNSC reflects the multipolar realities of the 21st century. For the UNSC to retain credibility, meaningful reforms including India’s inclusion are no longer optional, but imperative for equitable global governance.