Context
Recently, India called for comprehensive reforms of the UN Security Council (UNSC), highlighting its lack of representativeness and its failure to respond effectively to global conflicts.
Key Highlights
- India’s Stand: Historical authority derived from the Second World War cannot compensate for the UNSC’s present-day legitimacy deficit.
- Representation Gap: The Asia-Pacific Group, representing over 60% of the world’s population, remains underrepresented in the Council.
- Expansion of Membership: India advocates expanding both permanent and non-permanent membership categories.
- Criticism of Existing Structure: Expanding only non-permanent membership would leave the fundamental imbalance unchanged.
- India’s Candidature: India is seeking a non-permanent UNSC seat for the 2028–29 term.
About the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
- Established: 1945 under the UN Charter.
- Headquarters: New York City, USA.
- Composition: 15 members – 5 permanent and 10 non-permanent members.
- Permanent Members (P5): China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
- Non-Permanent Members: 10 members elected by the UN General Assembly for two-year terms.
- Presidency: Rotates monthly among the 15 members in English alphabetical order.
- Charter Mandate: Under Article 24 and Article 25 of the UN Charter, member states confer primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security on the Security Council and agree to abide by its decisions.
- Key Powers: Imposing sanctions, authorising peacekeeping operations and approving the use of force under the UN Charter.
- Veto Power: Each permanent member can veto substantive resolutions.
- Voting: At least 9 affirmative votes are required to adopt a substantive resolution, with no veto from any permanent member.
- India and UNSC: India is not a permanent member but has served as a non-permanent member eight times, most recently in 2021–2022.
- Permanent Seat Bid: India is part of the G4 nations (along with Brazil, Germany, and Japan) pushing for structural reforms and a permanent seat on the UNSC.
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the United Nations Security Council (UNSC):
1. The UNSC consists of 15 members, including five permanent and ten non-permanent members.
2. Non-permanent members are elected by the UN General Assembly for a term of three years.
3. All five permanent members possess veto power over substantive resolutions.
4. India is a member of the G4 nations, which advocate UNSC reforms and permanent membership for themselves.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Correct Answer: (b) 1, 3 and 4 only
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is correct: The UNSC has 15 members—five permanent and ten non-permanent.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: Non-permanent members are elected for two-year terms, not three years.
• Statement 3 is correct: The five permanent members—China, France, Russia, the UK and the USA—possess veto power over substantive resolutions.
• Statement 4 is correct: The G4 comprises India, Brazil, Germany and Japan, which advocate UNSC reforms and permanent membership.