After expansion of G20, it’s high time for expansion of UNSC

Folks, as Bharat’s G20 presidency is culminated in New Delhi last week, the Summit has largely impressed the members and stakeholders with its outcomes and declarations. From unveiling the ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) to launching Global Biofuels Alliance, Bharat successfully managed to achieve 73 outcomes (Line of efforts) which is whopping 170% more than last Presidency of Indonesia (27).

Credits: Deepanshu Singh

The much talked and appreciated New Delhi Declaration has been observed as historic development, as all 83 paras of the declaration were passed unanimously with a 100% consensus along with Russia & China in agreement. 

Bharat also took lead in advocating permanent G20 membership for the African Union (AU), officially expanding the G20 to G21. Experts lauded this inclusive move, which will have wider representation of 55 countries (AU). This will not only strengthen the G20 but also reinforce the voice of the Global South, echoing “Sabka Sath” & ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’.

While, the G21 is making an effort to be more inclusive, fair and representative global architecture and governance, it is high time to realize the importance of expanding United Nations Security Council Permanent Membership, reflecting current realities.

With the changing world order, UNSC should also reform and transform. Imagine, 5th largest economy, one of the fastest emerging global players with the highest population in the globe doesn’t have a permanent representation at UNSC.

As reiterated by Hon’ble Prime Minister that it is a natural law that individuals and institutions that do not adapt to change tend to lose their relevance over time, for example, when established UN had 51 founding members initially, but it now has nearly 200 members.

Currently, the five permanent UN members with veto power in the world body are the US, UK, France, Russia and China.

Time and again, Ms. Ruchira Kamboj, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, expressed the need for an updated UNSC to align with contemporary geopolitical realities. A permanent seat at UNSC will ensure inclusiveness, more equitable representation among the globe. UN SG Mr. Antonio Guterres also made a strong pitch for making immediate reforms in UNSC quoting “our multilateral institutions reflect a bygone age".

Many developing and developed nations came in support of expanding UNSC but the decision lies with the approval of permanent members. One such member is our neighbor, China, which openly supports reformation and expansion of UNSC but opposes India’s permanent seat at UNSC. Support from other permanent members does not amount to anything since China can veto India’s candidacy.

Back in 1950, India supported the China’s permanent seat at UNSC, the irony is that India doesn’t find its support from the same country now!

China has a good old habit (since 2001) of objecting the listed proposals especially the joint proposals being brought by India and the U.S. rather than by India alone, without giving any comprehensive reasons for objections/hold. Some notable objections were related mainly to Pakistan-based groups and their leaders, JeM founder Masood Azhar, who was released from prison by India in 1999 and handed over to terrorists in return for hostages onboard Indian Airlines flight IC-817.

Even after the Parliament attack and the Mumbai 26/11 attacks, China kept placing hold on the UNSC terror listing proposals for him: in 2009, 2010, 2016-18, claiming it had “inadequate information on his terror activities”.

India can also significantly contribute to the misuse of veto power and represent the interest of not only India but also the underdeveloped countries, which will ultimately create United Nations a more democratic global governing system.

Considering India’s immense contribution in the multilateral systems, and its active involvement in international treaties like peacekeeping missions, anti-terrorism, WTO, IMF, and its emerging role as global trusted leader, it is now or never to have a justified permanent representation at UNSC.