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:
- categories of membership (permanent , non-permanent).
- the question of the veto held by the five permanent members.
- regional representation.
- the size of an enlarged Council and its working methods.
- 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