By: Mohammad Akram
The United Nations Security Council, the guardian of international peace, entrusted with the primary responsibility of maintaining global peace and security comprises fifteen member nations, five permanent and ten non-permanent. Non-permanent members are selected for two years tenure, amongst member countries, representing every region of the world. The five permanent members, viz. China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America occupied the seat of permanence from the very inception of the UN with special powers including veto power due to their victories in the Second World War.
Though granted to these founding members, this privilege of veto often proved anti-peace as the member states, for their vested interests vetoed some crucial resolutions defeating the concept of peace and reconciliation.
The changing world power dynamics, growth & development of many nations, acquisition of economic, military, and technological welfare & regional influence led to the demands for enhancement of the UNSC membership. Irrational use of the veto by permanent members raised moral questions over the functioning of the UNSC, thereby strengthening the demands for extension in its permanent membership and the abolition of veto power. Nations that elevated their economic, military, technological, and social standards since WW-II, demand equitable power-sharing rights with a permanent seat in the UNSC for various reasons. India is also among the race of the contenders for the UNSC permanent seat.
Why does India deserve a permanent seat in the UNSC? Before answering this question, we must examine the eligibility criteria for the UNSC seat. As per Rule 28 of the UN Charter, any peace-loving country able and willing to carry out the obligations contained in the charter could be made a permanent member of the UNSC if the majority of the member countries vote in support of the UNSC resolution and two-thirds of them and their parliaments give their assent.
India is the only peace-loving country with an impeccable record of non-aggression on the soil of other nations and is the world’s most populous democracy. Amongst the founding members of the UN, India always abided by and took the lead in adopting UN resolutions. India has contributed most to UN peacekeeping operations worldwide, both in terms of military and logistics.
Since independence, India expanded its geo-economic and geopolitical influence, not only in the South East Asian region but globally. Today, India is the fifth largest economy in the world and aspiring to expand its economic base to five trillion US Dollars in the coming years. Presently, India’s GDP rate is projected at 7% by the IMF, placing India among the fastest-growing economies. India’s outlook reflects the potential for inclusive growth, equitable distribution of benefits, stability, and prosperity. Technological advancements in the IT sector and stable e-banking transaction systems have widened the scope of public distribution, generating a robust private sector, especially in rural areas. India is among the top five nations regarding military strength and capabilities and has the world’s most disciplined army.
Over the years, India has risen to the most cherished vibrant democratic system in the world, enhancing its political influence in far-off places. Therefore, most developed and powerful nations consider India as an ally, thus advocating her inclusion in the permanent member list. India represents diverse cultures, languages, and religions, fostering peace and harmony in its social context. India is not a country paralyzed by politics, rather it is regarded as a country that takes a clear stand, whether on the issues of global climate change, terrorism, or regional conflicts threatening world peace.
Recently, India has wielded its political influence globally and it is believed that India’s foreign policy is at a decisive stage in its evolution. India’s national statement delivered at the meeting of the 23rd SCO Council of Heads of the Government in Islamabad bears testimony to its rising geopolitical influence. In the present world scenario viz. war, terrorism, and climate change, where superpower nations like the USA fail to make an impact, India, with its unbiased strong moral values is making an impression. Thus, it is right for India to be honoured with a permanent seat in the UNSC.
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