India - UNSC permanent seat

Why in news?

• U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN has recently hinted of US's support for India’s permanent membership in the UN Security Council.

What is UNSC reform?

• The United Nations Security Council is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations formed in 1945.
• Despite drastic changes in geopolitics and international relations the Council has not been reformed yet.
• The demands for reform of the UNSC is based on five key issues: 

1. categories of membership (permanent , non-permanent).
2. the question of the veto held by the five permanent members.
3. regional representation.
4. the size of an enlarged Council and its working methods.
5. the relationship between Security Council and General Assembly.

• Notably, any reform of the Security Council would require the agreement of at least two-thirds of UN member states.
• Importantly, the agreement of all the permanent members of the UNSC enjoying the veto right is also required.

What is the complication?

• There is still lack of consensus among member States and regional groups on moving forward with the reforms.
• Veto power is one of the prime issues of contention.
• The countries aspiring for permanent membership are demanding the same veto power as that of the existing members.
• However the present permanent members reject this demand.
• Nevertheless, some countries like the US are supporting the expansion of membership, provided without the veto power.

What lies before India?

• It is to be noted that India had earlier conceded together with the others in G-4 that veto should not be an issue, at least for the present.
• But, the government sources have outrightly stressed on India's demand for equal veto rights as that of other permanent members.
• Thus India should instead take the lead offered by the U.S and explore the idea further with the U.S to take forward its aims.
• It opens up the possibility of permanent membership for India without veto.
• India should also focus on Russia and China, the two permanent members of the Security Council who do not want to see any changes.

Quick Fact

G-4

• The G4 nations comprises Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan.
• These four countries support each other’s bids for permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council.
• The UN currently has five permanent members with veto power in the Security Council - China, France, Russia, UK and US.

Source: The Hindu