Recently, when Mr. Obama supported India for the permanent seat in UNSC (United Nations Security Council), Indian media projected as though India is just few steps away from UNSC seat. There is no doubt that Obama's statement was significant event in Indian foreign affairs. However, that does not mean India will able to get UNSC seat very easily. There are many diplomatic and strategic complications need to be handled effectively to get into the UNSC.
UNSC was established in 1946. It is a principal organ of United Nations. UNSC major functions are peace keeping, authorization of military action and international sanctions like diplomatic, economic, sports, etc. UNSC consists of 15 members, 5 permanent and 10 non-permanent members. Non permanent member tenure is two years. Only permanent members have vetoed power. A veto is a negative vote which prevents adoption of proposal even if it has received the majority votes in Security Council. At present, permanent members in UNSC are China, France, Russia, UK and USA, also known as P5 countries. Permanent members play a vital role in UNSC, since they can veto any resolution. Being a permanent member of UNSC, a country can play a crucial role in world politics and protect its national interest. With the increasing member countries in United Nations, many emerging countries are urging for UNSC reforms, which can give them an opportunity to become a permanent member of UNSC. India is one of the strong contenders for UNSC permanent membership.
India, the second largest population country, is ambitious to be part of Security Council. India's candidature is backed by France, UK, Russia, USA, Australia, Bangladesh and African Union, among other countries. Brazil, Germany, and Japan also desirous of be on Security Council board, formed an alliance along with India for cooperation to get into Security Council, this alliance is known as G4 group. The greatest impediments to India's candidacy are China and Pakistan. Pakistan is severely opposing the India's bid for Security Council and using all its diplomatic games and tactics to counter India's bid. One of them is offering support to other contenders (especially to G4 group) if they kept India out! Most of the western and South Eastern counties are backing India for Security Council membership; the main reason behind this support is to balance the regional power in Asia, to be specific, to counter China. China knows if India is going to be on board, then its supremacy over the region will end. Being a permanent member, China's support is required for India's bid for the permanent seat. China may support India, only for a permanent seat without veto power! How India is going to influence China will be the key issue for its candidacy.
There are three major issues that are to be resolved before introducing any reforms in UNSC. First, basis for representation in council; there are many countries like Egypt, as the representative of Muslim majority nations, South Africa as the representative of African Continent claiming their stake in Security Council. Second, the number of new members to be added in UNSC. Third, veto power, whether to give veto power to new permanent members or not. Many dialogues need to take place among interested countries to resolve the above issues successfully.
So, there are many complications involved to introduce any structural changes in UNSC. Moreover, India has to play a suave and diplomatic role in world politics to achieve a strong position for its claim in UNSC. India is definitely a potential contender and most of the member countries in UN have a positive opinion about India. Mr. Obama's support is vital turn in India's journey to UNSC, still miles to go in its journey…
