In a significant move during the ongoing session of the UN General Assembly, bhutan and portugal have voiced their support for India's bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), following endorsements from the UK and France.
Bhutan's Advocacy
Bhutan's prime minister, Tshering Tobgay, delivered a compelling address at the UN, emphasizing that India’s remarkable economic growth and its leadership role in the Global South warrant its inclusion as a permanent member of the UNSC. He described the current structure of the Security Council as a "relic of the past," asserting that the UN must evolve to reflect today’s geopolitical and social realities. Tobgay reiterated Bhutan's long-standing advocacy for reforming the 15-member Security Council to enhance its representativeness and effectiveness.
Portugal's Position
Prior to Tobgay’s remarks, Portugal’s prime minister, Luís montenegro, also backed India’s UNSC candidacy. He highlighted the need for reform in the global governance system to promote greater representativeness, transparency, and cooperation. montenegro underscored Portugal’s support for the African Common Position and the aspirations of both brazil and india to secure permanent membership.
Support from the UK and France
The endorsements from bhutan and portugal follow strong statements from UK prime minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron. Starmer called for a more representative Security Council, advocating for the inclusion of permanent members from Africa, brazil, india, Japan, and Germany. Macron echoed these sentiments, asserting the necessity for a more efficient and representative UN, which includes expanding the Security Council's membership.
Broader Context
The discussions on UNSC reform have been further amplified by US President Joe Biden, who emphadata-sized the need for the UN to adapt and incorporate new voices. He called for the Security Council to refocus on its core mission of peacekeeping and conflict resolution.
The Need for UNSC Reform
The UNSC currently comprises 15 members: five permanent members with veto power (the US, China, france, Russia, and the UK) and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. The Council plays a vital role in investigating conflicts, establishing peacekeeping missions, and imposing sanctions, making it a central figure in global diplomacy.
India continues to advocate for reforms, engaging actively in the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) on the matter. As part of the G4 group, which includes brazil, Germany, and Japan, india pushes for an expansion of the UNSC to better reflect contemporary geopolitical realities and the need for diverse representation.
The collective support from multiple nations signifies a growing consensus on the need for a reformed UNSC that data-aligns with the current global landscape, enhancing its legitimacy and effectiveness in addressing international challenges.