India has long been demanding reform of the UNSC.
New Delhi: Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay strongly advocated for major reforms in the Security Council (UNSC) at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Tobgay clearly stated that, given the changing global reality, deserving countries like India and Japan should be granted permanent membership.
This statement comes at a time when India has long been raising this demand, and it was also recently agreed upon at the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting.
India and Japan deserving candidates
The Bhutanese Prime Minister said that the UNSC should not remain a mere showpiece but should become an effective force that addresses the world’s real challenges. He stated that Bhutan supports UN reform, including the expansion of the Security Council. A reformed Security Council should include capable and leading countries like India and Japan.
Support from BRICS
This statement from Bhutan comes at a time when BRICS countries have also supported India and Brazil’s demand for a greater role in the UNSC. At a recent meeting, China and Russia reiterated their respect for India and Brazil’s ambitions and their desire to see them play a strong role in the Security Council.
India has long sought reforms
India has long been demanding reform of the UNSC and increased participation of Asian and African countries, but this has been stalled due to China’s opposition. The UNSC is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, consisting of five permanent and ten non-permanent members. The permanent members, also known as the P5, have veto power. The non-permanent members rotate every two years.
Of these five permanent members, India has good and strong relations with all the remaining countries, except China. France has already supported India’s permanent membership. If China does not obstruct it, the path to permanent entry into the UNSC could be cleared for India. In fact, the UNSC requires the approval of nine out of 15 members for a decision on any issue, but if one of the permanent members uses its veto power, the proposal/decision is rejected.
