French President Emmanuel Macron has endorsed India's permanent seat in the UNSC (United Nations Security Council). In a speech to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Thursday, September 25, Macron said France supports increasing the number of permanent members in the UNSC.
Apart from India, Macron has asked Germany, Japan, Brazil and 2 African countries to join the UNSC. He called it a necessary step to make the UNSC inclusive. Apart from this, Macron also talked about the need for organizational reform to change his work.
Earlier, in a joint statement released by the Quad countries on September 21, they also talked about reforming the UNSC. It said to include African, Asian, Latin American and Caribbean countries.
The UNSC has 5 permanent members – America, Britain, France, Russia and China. Among them 4 countries are willing to support India, but China is becoming an obstacle.
Why does India want a permanent seat in the UNSC? The United Nations Security Council or UNSC is one of the six main organs of the United Nations. This is the most powerful body of the UN. It is responsible for ensuring international peace and security and approving any changes to the UN Charter.
In some cases the UNSC may use sanctions or force to maintain or restore international peace and security. It means that if India also becomes a permanent member of the UNSC, its consent will be necessary on any major world issue.
The Security Council has a total of 15 member states, of which 5 are permanent (P-5) and 10 are non-permanent. Permanent members include the US, Britain, France, Russia and China. If any country among the permanent members disagrees with any decision, it can use veto power to prevent its passage.
India is the strongest contender for the sixth permanent seat in the UNSC
- 17% of the world's population lives in India. With a population of 142 crores, India is the most populous country in the world. Such a large population needs to be represented in the UNSC.
- India's average annual growth rate over the last decade has been over 7%. This is the highest compared to any other major country after China. This economic power cannot be ignored in the UNSC.
- India is a nuclear power, but it doesn't show it. If India is included in the Security Council, it can play an important role in the nuclear disarmament programme.
- According to a survey by international think tank 'Atlantic Council', if the UNSC is expanded in the next decade, India will get maximum opportunities in it. According to a survey conducted among experts, India's chances of becoming a permanent member will be 26%.
China is the biggest obstacle to India's membership The UNSC has 5 permanent members – America, Britain, France, Russia and China. 4 of them are willing to support India, but China does not want India to get entry into the most powerful UN body. Any resolution in the United Nations Security Council requires the support of all 5 permanent countries.
France, America, Russia and Britain have expressed their consent, but China is opposing India's permanent membership on various pretexts. While India supported China to become a permanent member of the UNSC.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
