India and UNSC

India and UNSC

 

Context:

Recently, India has shown interest in becoming a permanent member on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, along with leaders from the U.S. and France, also voiced support for India’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

 

Relevance:
GS-02 (International relations)

 

About United Nations Security Council (UNSC):

• UNSC is one amongst the other five principle organizations of the United Nations (UN).
• The primary responsibility of the council is to maintain international peace and security.
• The Security Council ensures to act against any aggression and checks the threat to peace.
• Under the Charter of the UN, all Member States are obligated to comply with UNSC decisions.
• It indulges in dispute settlement by peaceful means and recommends methods of adjustment or terms of settlement. It even imposes sanctions and also authorizes the use of force to maintain or restore international peace and security.
• Members: It has 15 Members, and each Member has one vote.
  • It also has 5 permanent members known as P5 (United Kingdom, China, France, Russia, and the United States) who have veto power over decisions of UNSC .
  • 10 non-permanent members: Each year, the 193-member General Assembly elects five non-permanent members to the UNSC for a two-year term.
  • These members are selected to ensure balanced geographic representation: five from Africa or Asia, one from Eastern Europe, two from Latin America, and two from Western Europe or other regions.
• The Security Council is permanently located at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.

 

Significance of being a permanent member of the UNSC:

• Veto Power: The Permanent members (P5 – USA, UK, Russia, China, France) have their exclusive right to veto any substantive resolution.

1. 1. • With this veto, it gives the member country, the power to block the adoption of any resolution, even if it has majority support in the council.

• Influence in Global Affairs: Permanent membership in UNSC also means an entrance to international policies and decisions on key issues like conflicts, sanctions, and peacekeeping missions. The permanent nations have a direct say in matters of international peace and security, giving them strategic leverage over global governance.

• Prestige and Diplomatic Power: It even elevates country’s status on the global stage. It enhances diplomatic relations, increases opportunities for strategic alliances, and boosts a nation’s soft power in global diplomacy.
• Long-term Stability in Decision-Making: Unlike non-permanent members who serve for two-year terms, permanent members have a consistent seat on the Security Council. This ensures they have a continuous role in influencing international policies without the need for re-election, contributing to sustained involvement in global governance and international relations.