One of the six organs of the United Nations, UNSC is the most elite grouping in the world. Officially authorized by the United Nations Charter to ensure international peace, international sanctions, and military action, the UNSC members are considered the leader of the world. With about 18% of the world population and a GDP value of US $3.5 trillion, India is one of the most eligible countries to get a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Leading contributor to world peace, functional democracy and a responsible nuclear power, India has the highest credentials to get a permanent seat in the UNSC. But, despite possessing such values, the world’s largest democracy is still to be a member of the elite grouping.
The highest population will ensure the highest seat
Recently released The World Population Prospects 2022 report by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs has said that in a year India will replace China as the most populous in the world. Currently, India with 1.412 billion is the second largest only behind China with a 1.426 billion population.
Further, the United Nations population official said that the increase in population will strengthen India’s claim for permanent membership in the UNSC. John Wilmoth, director of the Population Division of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, responding to a question related to the impact of population growth said, “what is the significance of being the largest population in the world? I think you have certain claims on things. I wonder what will happen in terms of the discussion around… roles at the UN and roles of the permanent five members of the Security Council”.
“If India becomes the largest country, they may think that that gives them a claim that they should be part of …they’ve been claiming that they should be part of that group anyway. But, you know, it may strengthen their claim”, he added.
India’s strong case for a permanent seat at UNSC
India’s claim to a permanent seat at UNSC has become vocal in recent times. Mammoth increase in GDP has stabilized the economic base and resource capabilities have ultimately strengthened its military position. Unlike China, which has the permanent seat of the UNSC and still does not abide by the rule-based world order, India possesses the highest respect for international laws.
The country’s increasing global stature at the world stage has strengthened its case for the UNSC seat. Recently, Russian envoys speaking about the UNSC expansion for African, Asian and Latin American nations have openly accepted India and Brazil’s demand for the Security Council.
Except China, every permanent member of the UNSC like Russia, United Kingdom, France, and United States have individually argued in favour of India for the permanent seat. But, according to Article 27 of the UN Charter, every decision of the Security Council on all other matters shall be made by an affirmative vote of non-permanent members and concurrence votes of the permanent members. So, to bring reform in the UNSC, China’s concurrent vote becomes important.
Further, to bring an amendment in the UN Charter to give permanent seats at the Security Council to countries like India, a special resolution by two-thirds of the members of the United Nations General Assembly should be ratified, concluding all the permanent members of the Security Council. In a way, the only impediment in getting the elite seat is China.
Considering the power rivalry in Asia and the world between India and China, can it be possible that the two tigers to share a mountain? Also, China’s constant effort to undermine India’s position on the world stage on behalf of Pakistan has further strangled the position. The only way out to get the support of China would be to capitalize on the Economic vulnerabilities of Dragon. Hardly hit by the pandemic lockdown and a global sentiment against China has sidelined the country and if India continues its economic war against China then, the Dragon will become a myth. So, India should increase its diplomatic pressure on China for a permanent seat at UNSC.
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