Still Just Five- With an even more aggressive China against UNSC permanent membership for India, reform looks tough

Source: The post is based on the article “Still Just Five- With an even more aggressive China against UNSC permanent membership for India, reform looks tough” published in “Times of India” on 12th September 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- International relation- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests

News: The article discusses India’s pursuit of a permanent seat in the UN Security Council, the challenges associated with UNSC reforms due to differing member group views, and China’s opposition to India’s bid. It also emphasizes the necessity of change to maintain the UN’s relevance.

Why does India want to reform the UNSC?

Growing Stature: India showcased its global influence at the G20 summit in New Delhi.

Reflecting Current Realities: India believes an expanded UNSC will more accurately represent today’s global dynamics.

Voice for the Global South: The handling of events like the Ukraine war shows that issues concerning the Global South often get sidelined. India’s inclusion can help address this imbalance.

Avoiding UN’s Obsolescence: To keep the UN relevant and prevent it from becoming ineffective like the League of Nations, countries with rising influence like India should have a permanent seat in the UNSC.

What are the challenges to UNSC reform?

High Bar for Amendments: The UN Charter requires a two-thirds vote from UN members for amendments. Additionally, the same number must ratify these changes, making reforms difficult.

Permanent Member Agreement: All five permanent UNSC members must approve reforms, making consensus challenging.

Differing Views: Groups like G4, Uniting for Consensus, and the African Union have distinct visions for reform, complicating unanimous decisions.

China’s Opposition: China, a permanent member, aligns with the Uniting for Consensus group, opposing India and Japan’s permanent membership.

Regional Rivalries: Some nations, such as Pakistan, oppose their regional rivals, like India, from gaining permanent seats.