Context

• Ahead of the 80th anniversary of the United Nations (UN) next year, Group of Four (G4) member countries - India, Brazil, Germany and Japan - have put forward their demand for permanent membership and reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on September 26, 2024. 

United Nations Security Council

• The United Nations Security Council is the principal organ of the United Nations, charged with the responsibility of maintaining international peace and security. It is described in Chapter V of the UN Charter
• Established: 1945 (by the UN Charter)

Structure:

Members: The Security Council has 15-member (5+10) countries.:

• Permanent members: There are five permanent members – the United States, Russia, China, France and the United Kingdom. These countries have veto power, which means they can veto any proposal.
• Temporary members: Ten temporary member countries are elected by the United Nations General Assembly for two-year terms.

Functions:

• Maintaining international peace and security
• Resolving international disputes peacefully
• Authorizing peacekeeping missions
• Imposing economic sanctions
• Authorizing military action

UNSC and India:

The relationship between the United Nations Security Council and India is an important aspect of international politics. India has long been striving for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council.

Why India wants permanent membership of the Security Council?

• International Influence: As a permanent member, India can make its voice more influential on the international stage.
• Leadership in South Asia: India is a major player in South Asia and plays a vital role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
• Representation of Developing Countries: India is a developing country with a large population and wants to represent the interests of developing countries.
• UN Reform: India believes that the United Nations needs reform to meet the challenges of the 21st century and wants to play an active role in this reform process.