India’s aspiration to secure a permanent seat with veto power on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has been a focal point of its international diplomacy. This article examines India's persistent efforts and the rationale behind its pursuit of permanent membership.
Since 1994, India has actively campaigned for permanent membership in the UNSC, asserting its readiness to shoulder the responsibilities of this prestigious position. Currently, the UNSC's permanent members—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—have faced criticism for a veto system perceived to favor Western interests, marginalizing Asian and African nations.
India has significantly contributed to UN peacekeeping efforts, deploying over 100,000 personnel across various missions. Despite these contributions, India’s bids for permanent UNSC membership have not yet succeeded. The nation’s extensive involvement in peacekeeping not only supports its candidacy but also enhances its international reputation, particularly in resource-rich regions like Africa.
Indian peacekeepers are renowned for their professionalism, capability, and sensitivity to local contexts and human rights issues. These qualities underscore India’s suitability for permanent UNSC membership, as they have been instrumental in restoring stability in conflict-ridden nations.
India’s candidacy for a permanent UNSC seat is justified by its emergence as a global political force committed to promoting inclusivity and democratic values in international forums. Advocating for a New International Economic Order (NIEO), India emphasizes the representation of developing nations in global governance.
India has engaged multilaterally through groups like IBSA (India-Brazil-South Africa) and the G4 (Brazil, Germany, India, Japan) to reform international institutions such as the UNSC. This diplomatic effort aims to secure a permanent seat, enabling India to champion the interests of developing nations.
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