Permanent Seat at UNSC (Scope for India)

The fifteen-member UN Security Council (UNSC) seeks to address threats to international security. Its five permanent members are chosen in the wake of World War II and have veto power. The Security Council fosters negotiations, imposes sanctions, and authorizes the use of force, including the deployment of peacekeeping missions. Critics argue that it fails to represent many regions of the world, especially India and that increasing frequency of the veto is inhibiting its functionality.

In this article, you will know about the significance of UNSC Permanent Seat and its credentials for India, why does India seek Permanent Status, what is the scope for reforms at UNSC in changing Geopolitical scenario and how strong do nations like India stand for new age UNSC.

To explore more interesting UPSC International Relations topics of GS Paper -2 like India’s bid for a Permanent Seat at UNSC, check out other articles and IAS Notes of IASToppers.   

Table of Content

• Introduction
• About the UN Security Council (UNSC)
• Role of UNSC
• Need to Reform UNSC Structure
• India’s Advocacy for UNSC Reforms
• Global Support for India’s Bid
• Disadvantages
• Challenges to India’s Bid
• Solutions for UNSC Reforms
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Introduction:

• In the aftermath of World War II, world leaders recognized the need for a new international organization to promote peace and prevent future conflicts.
• This led to the Dumbarton Oaks Conference in 1944, where the groundwork for the United Nations was laid IN 1945.
• The principle of collective security was established to address threats to international peace.
• The UN Charter empowers the organization to use diplomatic, economic, or military action to maintain peace and security.
• The Security Council, the United Nations’ principal crisis-management body, is empowered to impose binding obligations on the 193 UN member states to maintain peace.

About the UN Security Council (UNSC)

• The Security Council was created as the central organ for maintaining international peace and collective security.
• Its members meet regularly to assess threats to international security, including civil wars, natural disasters, arms proliferation, and terrorism.
• Structure: It includes five permanent members (P5)—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, who hold veto power.
• 10 Non-permanent members are elected for two-year terms, with five seats opening up each year.
• This rotation ensures that different regions of the world are represented over time.

Role of UNSC:

• The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) plays a critical role in maintaining international peace and security.
• Conflict Resolution: It facilitates negotiations, mediates between conflicting parties, and promotes peaceful settlements.
• By leveraging its authority, the UNSC can bring together stakeholders to find sustainable solutions to disputes.
• Peacekeeping Operations: One of the most visible roles is authorizing and overseeing UN peacekeeping missions, deployment of military and civilian personnel to conflict zones.
• Sanctions: UNSC has the authority to impose economic and diplomatic sanctions like arms embargoes, travel bans, asset freezes, and trade restrictions for non-compliance states.
• Authorization: If peaceful means are insufficient to address imminent threats, the UNSC can authorize the use of force under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.
  • It allows the UNSC to take all necessary measures to respond to threats.
• Supervision: Armistices and peace agreements to ensure compliance by the parties involved by deploying observers and establish monitoring mechanisms to oversee its implementation.
• Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Action in conflict zones, genocides, ethnic cleansing and provide relief and assistance to those affected by war and violence.
• Recommendations: It can advise on general principles of cooperation and the peaceful settlement of international disputes.

Need to Reform the UN Structure

• P5 and Power Imbalance: The P5’s veto power reflects the geopolitical realities of the post-World War II era, which can lead to deadlock, preventing decisive action in critical situations.
• Representation: There is ongoing debate about the need for reform to make the UNSC more representative of the current global power dynamics.
• Inclusivity: Many countries, especially from Africa and Latin America, lack sufficient influence and a voice in shaping global policies.
• Decision-Making Processes & Efficiency: The UNSC’s decision-making process can be slow and bureaucratic, impacting its ability to respond swiftly to emerging threats.
• Bureaucracy and Red Tape: It can slow down responses to global challenges, highlighting the need to streamline administrative procedures and reducing red tape.
• Efforts Among Specialized Agencies: Some specialized agencies exhibit overlapping mandates, improving coordination can eliminate duplication and enhance collaboration.
• Financial Constraints and Arrears: The UN often faces financial instability due to delayed payments from member states.
• Equitable Distribution of Financial Burdens: It is based ongross national income, with a cap on contributions, such formula should be revised for fairer distribution of financial burdens.

Process of Reform

• Article 108 of the UN Charter stipulates that amendments to the Charter, which are necessary for UNSC reforms, require:
  • A two-thirds majority vote in the General Assembly.
  • Ratification by two-thirds of the UN member states, including all permanent members of the Security Council.

India’s Advocacy for UNSC Reforms

Background

• The structure of the UNSC has long been criticized by countries from South Asia, Africa, and Latin America, as these regions remained unrepresented after more than 7 decades of UN.
• They are unable to adequately address pressing global concerns- arms races, climate change, the rise of new power centers, globalization, terrorism, human rights violations, and refugee crises.
• The current structure, dominated by the five permanent members (P5) with veto power reflects the geopolitical realities of the post-World War II era rather than the present day.
• Among the aspirants for a permanent seat on the UNSC, India is one of the most vocal and determined.
• This aspiration, rooted in the early 1990s, has seen consistent advocacy through successive Indian governments.
• The campaign gained momentum following India’s nuclear tests in 1998, which demonstrated India’s strategic capabilities and emphasized its emergence as a significant global player.

India’s Pursuit of a Permanent Seat

• India’s bid is grounded in its status as a founding member of the UN, its role as a non-permanent member (8 times), and its standing as the largest democracy and most populous country.
• Achieving reform of the UNSC to accommodate India will require continued negotiation, diplomacy, and a willingness to address the interests of various stakeholders.
• India’s economic importance is unmistakable, with its recent ascension to the rank of the fifth-largest economy by nominal GDP and the third-largest by GDP (PPP).
• Furthermore, India is, actively engaging in forums concerning climate change, sustainable development goals, and other UN initiatives.
• The increasing military capabilities holding the fourth position in the Global Firepower Index, trailing only the United States, Russia, and China.
• The expanding prowess in space exploration, Nuclear Weapons State (NWS) in May 1998 also makes India a natural claimant as a permanent member.
• India has consistently made substantial contributions to UN peacekeeping missions, being the top contributor- 195,000 troops, 49 missions and supreme sacrifice of 168 peacekeepers.
• Additionally, India’s role in South Asian affairs and humanitarian efforts for global calamities, peace and security underscore its suitability for a permanent seat.
• Strong commitment to international principles of sovereignty, non-aggression, non-interference, equality, and peaceful coexistence, is shown since the Non-Aligned Movement.
• India advocates for a more inclusive UNSC to strengthen multilateralism and ensure diverse representation in global decision-making processes.

Structural Revamp Advocacy

• India argues that the UNSC, along with other international institutions– World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and World Trade Organization, requires structural reforms.
• To bolster its case, India has aligned itself with multilateral groupings like the IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) and the G4 nations (Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan).
• Through these alliances, India aims to become a global rule-maker with a significant say in the emerging international order.

Global Support for India’s Bid

• Non- Permanent Member: India’s increasing stature within the UNSC is exemplified by its election as a non-permanent member for the 8^th time.
• For the 2021-22 term, India received a majority of 184 out of 193 votes in the 2020 elections for UNSC Non- Permanent Membership.
• It was supported by most of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Nations like UAE, Oman, and Bahrain etc. and powerful nations like Turkiye.
• G20 Summit Call: During the G20 Summit in New Delhi, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to remodel global bodies like the UNSC to reflect contemporary realities.
• Think-Tank Forecast: A survey by the Atlantic Council suggested a strong presumption that India would benefit if new permanent seats were added to the UNSC.
• Support from Four P5 Members: The US, UK, France, and Russia have supported India’s bid for a permanent seat, but not backed by China.
• India’s support from L.69 Group—a cross-regional group of countries from Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
• G4 Advocacy: India, along with Germany, Japan, and Brazil (G4 nations), has been advocating for UNSC reform, including increased permanent and non-permanent seats and greater representation for Africa.
• Proposed Expansion: G4 proposals include increasing permanent seats from 5 to 11 and non-permanent seats from 10 to 14.

Challenges to India’s Bid

Despite significant support from countries like the US, Russia, France, and the UK, India faces substantial obstacles:

• China’s Opposition: China has consistently opposed India’s inclusion in the UNSC and other international bodies such as the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
• This is reinforced by its allies, including Pakistan, North Korea, and Italy, who also oppose India’s inclusion.
• It has proposed the inclusion of smaller and medium-sized countries instead of supporting India.
• Reservations on Veto Power: Concerns about India’s potential veto power and its impact on global security present additional challenges.
• Competition from Other Aspirants: Other nations like Brazil, Germany, and Japan also seek permanent membership, complicating India’s bid.
• Complex Decision-Making Process: The intricate process of amending the UN Charter, requires a two-thirds majority in the General Assembly and ratification by two-thirds of member states.

• Complexity of Expansion: Expanding the UNSC’s permanent seats involves overcoming significant institutional inertia and the self-interest of current permanent members.
• No Immediate Changes Expected: Despite the advocacy, 64% of respondents in the Atlantic Council survey do not expect new permanent seats to be added by 2033.
• Polarized Global Environment: The current geopolitical climate, especially the rivalry between the US and China, complicates efforts to achieve consensus on reform.

Solutions for UNSC Reforms

• Expansion of Permanent Membership: Include countries from different regions, such as Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
• Introduction of Semi-Permanent Seats: Create semi-permanent seats with longer tenure for countries that significantly contribute to peace and security.
• Reform or Limit the Veto: Consider imposing restrictions on veto use, especially in situations involving mass atrocities or humanitarian crises.
• Enhance Regional Cooperation: Encourage regional organizations to play a larger role in conflict resolution and peacekeeping, under UNSC supervision and approval.
• Effective Conflict Resolution Mechanisms within the UNSC to address regional and global conflicts promptly.
• Enforcement Mechanisms: Establish a standing UN peacekeeping force for rapid deployment in crises, with increased resources and logistical capabilities.
• Increase Transparency and Accountability: Open more UNSC meetings and decision-making processes to non-permanent members and the public while maintaining necessary confidentiality.
• Consistent Criteria: Develop clear criteria for UNSC interventions to address bias and double standards.
• Focus on Conflict Prevention and Mediation: Invest more in conflict prevention and early mediation efforts.
• Address Emerging Threats: Establish specialized committees within the UN to tackle cybersecurity, climate change, and integrate these issues into UNSC decision-making.
• Budgetary Reform: Ensure a more equitable distribution of financial burdens among member states and improve budgetary processes.
• Public Awareness and Engagement to hold member states accountable and build support for reforms.
• Comprehensive Reform Package: Address multiple issues simultaneously through negotiations and compromise to gain broad support.

Conclusion

India’s pursuit of a permanent seat on the UNSC symbolizes its determination to influence global governance and security in line with its democratic principles and commitment to international peace. Despite persistent obstacles, India remains steadfast in its quest, with the ambition of securing a permanent UNSC seat continuing to be a defining goal of its foreign policy. The journey towards achieving this goal will require sustained diplomatic efforts, strategic alliances, and a robust campaign to advocate for a reformed and inclusive UNSC.

Ref: Source-1

Other Articles in International Relations
QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue)	BRICS
ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)	All about BIMSTEC
SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation)	G7 (Group of 7)

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)