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For decades, India has been advocating for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), and rightfully so. As a country with a growing global influence, the world’s largest democracy, and a strong voice on international issues, India’s aspirations for permanent membership of the UNSC are legitimate. The UNSC, a body established after World War II to maintain international peace and security, comprises five permanent members (P5): the United States, the United Kingdom, France, China, and Russia. These nations hold significant power, including veto rights, which allows them to influence major global decisions. However, the current structure of the UNSC does not reflect the 21st century’s geopolitical realities. India’s claim to a permanent seat rests on several strong reasons—its demographic and economic weight, commitment to multilateralism, contributions to global peacekeeping, and representation of the Global South.
India is the second-most populous country in the world, with a population of over 1.4 billion people. By some estimates, it is projected to overtake China to become the most populous nation by 2024. This demographic reality gives India a unique position in global affairs, as it represents a significant portion of the world’s population. For the UNSC to remain relevant and inclusive, the inclusion of India is crucial to ensuring that the aspirations of a large segment of humanity are represented. Economically, India is one of the fastest-growing major economies and currently ranks as the fifth-largest economy in terms of nominal GDP. As a G20 member and a leading emerging market, India plays a critical role in driving global economic growth. Its rising stature in international trade and financial matters further strengthens the argument that India deserves a seat at the decision-making table of the UNSC. As a country capable of contributing economically to global stability and development, India’s role is essential for addressing global challenges such as climate change, health crises, and financial governance. India has a long-standing commitment to the principles of multilateralism and the United Nations Charter. Since its independence in 1947, India has consistently advocated for global peace, cooperation, and the resolution of conflicts through dialogue. India’s active participation in various multilateral forums such as the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), BRICS, the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is a testament to its belief in collaborative global governance. At the UN, India has been a consistent proponent of reforms to make the global system more equitable and representative. For instance, India has championed the cause of developing nations and raised important issues such as climate justice, trade disparities, and development finance. India’s calls for a more just and inclusive world order resonate with the concerns of many countries, especially those from the Global South. By becoming a permanent member of the UNSC, India can amplify these voices, ensuring a more balanced and representative global governance system.
India has been one of the largest contributors to United Nations peacekeeping missions. Since its first participation in UN peacekeeping operations in 1950, India has provided over 250,000 troops, making it one of the top troop-contributing countries. Indian peacekeepers have served in some of the most dangerous conflict zones, such as Congo, Somalia, Sudan, and Lebanon, and have played a key role in maintaining peace and stability in these regions. Additionally, Indian peacekeepers have been at the forefront of promoting gender equality within peacekeeping missions, as the country has deployed female personnel in significant numbers to address issues affecting women and children in conflict zones. This track record of commitment to global peace and stability strongly supports India’s case for a permanent seat in the UNSC. If the Security Council’s mandate is to safeguard international peace, then it should certainly include a nation that has consistently and selflessly contributed to peacekeeping efforts across the world. India’s proactive and pragmatic approach to addressing global challenges further strengthens its case for UNSC membership. In recent years, India has played a key role in initiatives aimed at combating climate change, enhancing global health security, and promoting renewable energy. The International Solar Alliance (ISA), co-founded by India, is a prime example of India’s leadership in the fight against climate change. The alliance aims to bring together countries to promote solar energy, which is crucial for addressing both energy security and environmental sustainability.
India’s stance on counterterrorism is another area where its influence is increasingly important. As a country that has suffered from terrorism, India has been a strong advocate for comprehensive global action against terror networks. India’s voice in the UNSC on counterterrorism would be vital for shaping effective international strategies. The current structure of the UNSC, with its P5 members, reflects a post-World War II power distribution that is outdated in the current geopolitical context. The absence of countries like India from the permanent membership of the UNSC undermines the legitimacy of the council’s claim to represent global interests. A more inclusive and equitable Security Council should reflect the diversity of the modern world, including the voices of developing countries and emerging powers. India’s inclusion would be a step toward correcting the historical imbalance of power within the UNSC. As a representative of the Global South, India would provide a voice for developing countries, many of whom feel marginalized in international decision-making processes. India’s active diplomacy with African and Latin American countries, its leadership in forums like BRICS and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), and its close relations with ASEAN demonstrate its ability to bridge the gap between developed and developing nations.
Writer can be reached at : mnoorkashmir@gnmail.com
