The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations (UN), tasked with ensuring international peace and security. Established in 1945, the UNSC is arguably the most powerful UN body due to its authority to impose sanctions, authorize the use of force, and mandate peacekeeping missions.
Composition and Functions:
- The UNSC consists of 15 members: 5 permanent members (P5) — the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, and France — and 10 non-permanent members, elected for two-year terms.
- Each P5 member has veto power, allowing them to block any substantive resolution.
- The Council’s primary responsibilities include conflict resolution, peacekeeping, sanctions enforcement, and authorization of military action under international law.
India and the UNSC:
- India has been elected as a non-permanent member of the UNSC eight times, most recently for the term 2021–2022.
- India strongly advocates for reform of the UNSC, demanding permanent membership for itself along with other G4 countries (Germany, Japan, Brazil).
- India’s argument emphasizes the need for greater representation of developing nations and emerging powers in line with the 21st-century global order.
Conclusion:
The UNSC remains central to global governance, but it faces criticism for lacking democratic representation. India’s aspiration for permanent membership underscores the demand for a more equitable and effective UN system.