PYQ Vault · Paper 2 · India & the UN System
Explain the importance of India’s claim for a permanent seat in the United Security Council. (2020/15 marks)
How the answer moves
The flow snapshot — the routes in, the body, the counter-view and the routes out.
Flow snapshot — how the answer moves
Intro routes
! Council frozen at 1945 + crisis paralysis (Ukraine / Israel- Hamas) → claim important on two levels: institutional repair + India’s own standing R2 arising power converting capability into recognition — the claim as the test of whether governance can accommodate new powers
Body flow
Body flw representation deficit (Global South, Asia's single seat) — implementers (most populous, largest cumulative peacekeeper) should shape the mandates — India’s own interests (Pant 3: recognition / 1948-Kashmir insurance / shield small states) + Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam → reform momentum: 2024 Pact for the Future (first summit doc, Africa priority; “good beginning” + caution; text-based talks stalled since 2015) — Dabhade: rule- taker — rule-maker, periphery → centre
Counter-view
Cold War 2.0 may sideline the UN (Mohan, Saran) → seat less consequential than concrete partnerships / national strength
Conclusion routes
R1 importance lies in what the claim tests — admit India = added legitimacy; refuse = drift toward the League’s fate R2 the badge is secondary — real stakes = India’s passage from rule-taker to rule- maker, and the Council’s own survival
Model answer
Handwritten, in the form it would be written in the examination hall.
