Paper: GS – II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: International institutions, agencies and fora, Issue: India’s Claim for Permanent Membership of the UN Security Council.
Context:
Recently, the demand for reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and India’s inclusion as a permanent member has gained renewed attention. The Council continues to reflect the power structure created after the Second World War, despite major changes in global politics.
Key Takeaways:
Explanation:
Need for Reform:
- The UNSC reflects the world of 1945 rather than present geopolitical realities.
- Asia has about 60% of the global population, but only China has a permanent seat.
- Africa and Latin America also lack permanent representation.
- Broader membership would improve the Council’s legitimacy and credibility.
India’s Claim:
- India is the world’s largest democracy and represents nearly one-sixth of humanity.
- It is a major economy influencing trade, technology, energy and development finance.
- It has one of the world’s largest armed forces, significant defence capabilities and a credible nuclear triad based on deterrence.
- India’s inclusion would strengthen the representation of developing countries and Asian security interests.
Contribution to Global Governance:
- India has been a major contributor to United Nations peacekeeping operations since 1948 and has suffered significant casualties.
- It supports maritime security, freedom of navigation and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
- Through the International Solar Alliance, its G20 presidency and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, India has promoted climate action and cooperation between developed and developing countries.
Obstacles to Reform:
- Existing permanent members may resist changes that could reduce their influence.
- The G4 proposes six new permanent seats, including two each for Asia and Africa.
- Earlier reform increased non-permanent seats from six to ten but did not change permanent membership.
- Consensus-based decisions can also create informal vetoes by allowing members to delay statements and sanctions.
Conclusion:
India’s inclusion would make the UNSC more representative and aligned with present global realities. It would recognise India’s contribution to peace, development and multilateralism. Reform is essential for the Council’s continued relevance.
Source: (The Indian Express)
La Excellence IAS Academy, the best IAS coaching in Hyderabad, known for delivering quality content and conceptual clarity for UPSC 2026 preparation.
FOLLOW US ON:
◉ YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CivilsPrepTeam
◉ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaExcellenceIAS
◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laexcellenceiasacademy/
GET IN TOUCH:
Contact us at info@laex.in, https://laex.in/contact-us/
or Call us @ +91 9052 29 2929, +91 9052 99 2929, +91 9154 24 2140
OUR BRANCHES:
Head Office: H No: 1-10-225A, Beside AEVA Fertility Center, Ashok Nagar Extension, VV Giri Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Hyderabad, 500020
Madhapur: Flat no: 301, survey no 58-60, Guttala begumpet Madhapur metro pillar: 1524, Rangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 500081
Bangalore: Plot No: 99, 2nd floor, 80 Feet Road, Beside Poorvika Mobiles, Chandra Layout, Attiguppe, Near Vijaya Nagara, Bengaluru, 560040