UN Security Council

The United Nations Security Council is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations and is charged with ensuring international peace and security, recommending the admission of new UN members to the General Assembly, and approving any changes to the UN Charter.

Issues of UNSC

• Composition Imbalance: The existing composition of the Security Council does not reflect the current global balance of power. 

• Example: Europe is overrepresented, while Asia lacks adequate representation, and Africa and Latin America have no permanent representation.

• Overdue Reforms: Despite the UN's overall membership increasing from 113 to 193, the composition of the UNSC has seen no change.

• Example: The Security Council was last expanded in 1963 with the addition of four non-permanent members.

• Veto Power Dynamics: The veto power, wielded by the permanent five countries, is often used to serve their strategic interests and those of their allies.

• Example:  The United States and Russia's frequent use of the veto, particularly in the Israeli-Palestinian context, stands as a significant obstacle to UN/UNSC reform.

• Legitimacy and Credibility Crisis: The exclusive nuclear club formed by the five nuclear-armed permanent members has been criticized for predominantly addressing the strategic interests of these powers.

• Example: Instances like protecting oil-rich Kuwaitis in 1991 but insufficiently addressing resource-poor Rwandans in 1994 raised concerns about the Security Council's credibility.

• Failure in Conflict Resolution: The Security Council has faced criticism for its failure to resolve conflicts.

• Example: Unresolved conflicts in Sri Lanka, Syria, Kosovo, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, reflecting broader shortcomings within the UN.

• Limited Multilateral Decision-Making: Despite the need for effective multilateral negotiations on transnational threats, critical decisions within the UNSC are still predominantly made by its permanent members.

• Consensus Deficit: The current structure hampers the UNSC's ability to address emerging issues through consensus-based decision-making involving all member countries.

Impediments in the expansion of the UN Security Council

• Charter Amendment Hurdle

• Two-thirds majority Requirement: Any reform to the UN Security Council necessitates an amendment to the United Nations Charter. 

• Resistance from Permanent Members: The reluctance of key permanent members, specifically the USA, Russia, and China, poses a significant obstacle to any expansion or reform efforts.

• Resistance from groups:

• Uniting for Consensus: An informal group known as the "Coffee Club," comprising approximately 40 member states, including Italy, Spain, Australia, Canada, South Korea, Argentina, and Pakistan, has played a crucial role in hindering reforms to the UNSC.

• Regional Opposition to Membership Bids:

• Pakistan's Objection to India: Pakistan opposes India's bid for permanent membership.

• China's Concerns: China objects to the inclusion of Japan and India in the Security Council.

• Regional Rivalries: Italy competing with Germany in Europe, and Argentina's disagreement with Brazil representing South America in the UNSC.

• Lack of African Consensus: In Africa, there is no consensus on which country should represent the region as a permanent member.

• Lack of Defined Criteria:

• Undefined Parameters: The absence of clear parameters or criteria in the UN Charter for evaluating countries' eligibility for permanent membership adds complexity to the expansion process.

• Concerns about Council Efficiency: It may lead to a decline in its efficiency and overall functioning, raising questions about the practical implications of enlargement.

• Why India demands a permanent membership in the UNSC?

  
  

  
  

• Demographic Significance: India, as the world's largest democracy and with a population constituting 1/6th of the global total, merits consideration for permanent membership in the UNSC.

• Example: India's population is equivalent to 17.76% of the total world population.

• Economic Prominence: India's economic standing underscores its suitability for a permanent seat in the UNSC.

• Example: India is the third-largest economy (PPP).

• Responsible Nuclear Power: Attaining Nuclear Weapons State (NWS) status in 1998, India has demonstrated responsible nuclear behaviour over the last two decades.

• Active UN Engagement: A founding member of the UN, India has consistently participated in UN initiatives. 

• Example: India’s participation in Millennium Development Goals, Sustainable Development Goals, and various summits, showcasing its commitment to global issues.

• Peacekeeping Contributions: India's substantial contributions to UN peacekeeping missions underscore its commitment to international peace and security.

• Example: India has contributed more than 2,53,000 troops, the largest number from any country

• Leadership in the Third World: India establishes itself as the undisputed leader of the Third World, advocating for a more democratic representation in the UNSC.

• Example: India's leadership role in the Non-Aligned Movement and G-77

• Moralistic Force for Developing States: India's inclusion in the UNSC is seen as enhancing its role as a 'moralistic force' for developing nations. 

Challenges to India's UNSC Bid

• Charter Amendment Complexity: The UN charter amendment is a complex process.

• Example: It requires two-thirds majority ratification and P-5 concurrence but China, adds complexity to India's pursuit.

• Resistance from Pressure Groups: Opposition from groups is complicating India's path to permanent UNSC membership.

• Example: Groups like Uniting for Consensus (UfC) are against expansion 

• Unclear Criteria for Selection: The absence of defined parameters for permanent membership consideration.

• Diplomatic Caution: India's historical diplomatic caution on sensitive issues may hinder its ability to assertively pursue UNSC permanent membership.

• Example: India’s neutral stance on Russia - Ukraine

• Resource Limitations: Limited government resources allocated to multilateral diplomacy, reflected in a smaller UNSC mission.

• Example: India's position as the 21st largest contributor to the UN budget,

• Over-Reliance on Entitlement: Relying too heavily on entitlement for permanent membership. 

Way Forward

• Maximizing Support 

• Bilateral and Multilateral Engagement: Utilizing diplomatic channels to advance India's candidature.

• Leadership in Global South Forums: Garnering support from developing nations through active participation in forums like G77.

• Collaboration with Intergovernmental Bodies: Working with organizations such as the African Union, L.69, and Friends on UN Security Council Reform to enhance support.

• G4 Nations Cooperation: Collaborating with G4 Nations (India, Germany, Brazil, and Japan) to mutually champion permanent seat bids.

• Minimizing Resistance 

• Endorsement from P5 Members: Securing endorsements from most P5 members to reduce resistance in the Security Council.

• US Support at UNGA: Receiving reiterated support from the United States for India's role in a reformed UN Security Council.

India's impactful contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic and its diplomatic ties with both the United States and Russia make it a fitting candidate for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, crucial for global stability and countering rising geopolitical challenges.