Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) on UNSC Reform  

Syllabus: GS2/International Organisation; India’s Interests in Global Groupings

Context

• Recently, the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) Chairperson acknowledged India’s strong position in global affairs, and pitched for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Need for Reforming the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) 

• Outdated Power Structure: The current structure reflects the geopolitical realities of 1945, right after World War II.
  • The P5 members (USA, UK, France, Russia, China) hold permanent seats with veto power, even though the global balance of power has shifted significantly. The Council doesn’t represent the world’s current economic and political realities.
• Lack of Representation: Africa and Latin America have no permanent representation, even though they comprise a significant portion of the global population and contribute to peacekeeping and economic development.
  • Developing countries are underrepresented, reducing the legitimacy and moral authority of the UNSC.
• Questionable Legitimacy and Effectiveness: The veto power of P5 members often leads to deadlock, preventing effective action in crises (e.g., Syria, Ukraine).
• Greater Global Participation: More inclusive membership would ensure broader consensus, diverse viewpoints, and shared responsibility for global peace and security.

India’s Bid for Permanent Membership in the UNSC

• Demographic & Economic Strength: As the world’s most populous country and the fifth-largest economy, India wields significant regional and global influence.
  • Its market size, technological prowess, and strategic capabilities make it a vital player in global decision-making.
• Global Peacekeeping Role: India has been one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping forces, with over 250,000 troops deployed in 49 of the 71 peacekeeping missions to date.
• Democratic Credentials: As the world’s largest democracy, India’s inclusion is argued to bring democratic balance to a Council that includes authoritarian states.
• Nuclear Responsibility: India is a nuclear-armed state but adheres to a ‘No First Use’ doctrine and remains committed to non-proliferation, even though it is not a signatory to the NPT, which it criticizes as discriminatory.
• Support from Major Powers: India has garnered support from four of the five P5 members — the United States, Russia, France, and the United Kingdom — all of whom recognize India’s growing global footprint.

India’s Aspirational Role in Global Governance

• Multipolarity, Not Unipolarity: India argues for a system where power is more diffused and representative.
• Global South Solidarity: Championing causes like development, food security, climate justice, and debt relief for less-developed nations.
  • During India’s G20 Presidency, it brought the African Union into the group as a permanent member, a historic step toward inclusivity.
  • India’s focus on the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) model and vaccine equity underscored its ambition to provide scalable, open-source solutions to global challenges.
• Strategic Autonomy: India insists on a sovereign path, resisting alignment with any one bloc.
• Democratization of Institutions: From the UNSC to the IMF, India seeks structural reforms to increase the representation of developing nations.

Opposition and Challenges

• Consensus on Reforms: UNSC reforms require a two-thirds majority in the General Assembly (129 of 193 members) and the approval of all P5 members.
  • India has found support from various regional blocs, including the African Union, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and ASEAN members.
• China Factor: China, the only P5 member not in favour of India’s bid, remains the biggest impediment. Its geopolitical rivalry with India, border disputes, and strategic alignment with Pakistan shape its opposition.
• Strategic Ambiguity: India is a member of the QUAD (with the US, Japan, and Australia), it also engages actively with BRICS, which includes Russia and China—two nations with divergent views from the West.
• Role of G4: India is part of the G4 group (India, Germany, Brazil, and Japan) that collectively seeks permanent seats.
  • However, their candidatures are opposed by a counter-group, United for Consensus (aka Coffee Club), including Italy, Pakistan, Mexico, and Egypt who argue for equitable regional representation instead of new permanent members.
• Slow Progress in Reform: The Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) process has seen limited tangible outcomes, despite ongoing discussions.
  • Critics argue that the debate often leads to endless discussions rather than concrete action.

Conclusion

• India’s bid for a permanent seat in the UNSC reflects its growing global stature and commitment to multilateralism.
• While challenges remain, continued diplomatic efforts and international support could pave the way for a more inclusive and representative Security Council.

Source: BS