Indian politicians have been advocating for India to become a member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for years. India, aspiring to be a superpower, feels it has been unfairly excluded from this prestigious group.
Various foreign political dignitaries and international coalitions supporting UNSC reforms have also expressed backing for India’s permanent membership. Despite India’s continuous efforts, experts are skeptical about any imminent changes.
There are four major hurdles that India must overcome to attain veto power in the United Nations.
China’s Opposition
Except for China, all other permanent UNSC members – the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Russia – have previously endorsed India’s candidacy. However, China, a regional rival, remains opposed to India gaining a permanent seat on the council.
China, the only Asian nation with a permanent seat on the Security Council, values its power and is resistant to sharing this status with India. Additionally, amidst an ongoing border dispute with India, China opposes any changes to the UNSC composition by the other four members.
China is also uneasy about Japan, another strong contender for a permanent seat. The G-4 countries, including Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan, support each other’s bids for permanent council seats.
China has hinted at possibly supporting India if New Delhi does not endorse Japan’s bid. By pitting India against Japan, China seeks to maintain its dominance in the region.
Disagreement on Membership Without Veto Power
Certain parties have suggested India gaining UNSC membership without veto power.
Groups like Uniting for Consensus (UfC) advocate for expanding the General Assembly and adding more non-permanent members to enhance regional representation in decision-making processes. However, India insists that all new permanent council members must possess veto power, making this scenario unlikely.
Western Concerns that India May Not Align with U.S. Priorities
While the United States has theoretically supported India’s permanent UNSC membership, doubts remain regarding U.S. support in practice. Some U.S. officials have expressed reservations about extending veto powers to new members.
India’s independent stance on global issues, such as abstaining from voting on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, has raised concerns among Western nations about India’s reliability as a strategic ally.
The Regional Conundrum
India faces challenges from regional rivals within South Asia, affecting its claim to global power status. Issues with neighboring countries like Pakistan and changing dynamics in the region pose obstacles to India’s leadership aspirations.
Next Steps for India
There are calls for reform within the U.N., including expanding the Security Council to include developing countries like India. However, India needs to address internal criticisms and work on strengthening its global image before achieving permanent UNSC membership.
Originally published under Creative Commons by 360info