United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
- Established: 1945 under the United Nations Charter
- Primary Responsibility: Maintenance of international peace and security
- Members: 15 members in total:
- Permanent Members (P5): United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, China (with veto power)
- Non-Permanent Members: 10 members elected for a 2-year term (geographically distributed)
- Functions:
- Authorizing military action
- Imposing sanctions
- Establishing peacekeeping operations
- Adopting binding resolutions on member states
India’s Quest for Permanent Membership
- Arguments in Favor:
- World’s largest democracy with a population of over 1.4 billion
- Significant contributor to UN peacekeeping missions
- Fast-growing economy and an emerging global power
- Representation of the Global South and developing nations
- Challenges:
- Resistance from permanent members, especially China
- Lack of consensus on UNSC reforms
- Geopolitical rivalries and regional opposition
New Zealand’s Support for India in UNSC
- New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon supported India’s bid for a permanent seat in the reformed UN Security Council during the Raisina Dialogue.
- Luxon highlighted India’s size and geo-strategic importance in an increasingly multi-polar world.
- He emphasized the need for a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific and rejected the “might makes right” approach, indirectly addressing China’s assertiveness.
- Countries like India play a central role globally and that New Zealand looks to work alongside India to protect and advance its interests in the Indo-Pacific.
Significance of India in the Indo-Pacific Region
- Geo-Strategic Importance: India’s location at the heart of the Indo-Pacific makes it a key player in regional stability and security.
- Economic and Political Role: India is a major economic power driving trade, investment, and diplomatic engagement in the region.
- Collaborative Partnerships: Countries like New Zealand view India as a vital partner to uphold peace and security in the Indo-Pacific.
India’s bid for permanent membership in the UNSC is gaining international support, reflecting its growing stature in global affairs. New Zealand’s endorsement highlights India’s pivotal role in shaping a rules-based Indo-Pacific order amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.
