The BRICS TimesFrom Russia to Britain, the US and France, many global powers have voiced support for India becoming a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The UNSC has 15 members, including five permanent members — the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom. These permanent members hold veto power, which allows any one of them to block a proposal with a single “no.”
India’s Growing Global Role
India has steadily strengthened its role in global affairs. Many nations recognize India’s talent and diplomatic influence. During the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India played a significant part in peace discussions. Against this backdrop, several countries now support India’s demand for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Which Countries Have Supported India?
Recently, Russia, Bhutan, Mauritius, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, and even the UN Secretary-General endorsed India’s claim for a permanent UNSC seat. Before analyzing why India still lacks permanent membership, it is important to understand the structure and powers of the UNSC.
What is the UNSC?
The United Nations Security Council is the UN’s most powerful body. Its responsibility is maintaining global peace and security, preventing wars, resolving international disputes, and authorizing sanctions or military actions if required.
The Council includes 15 members, of which five are permanent — the US, Russia, China, France, and the UK. These permanent members hold veto power, meaning even one “no” vote can block any proposal. The other 10 non-permanent members serve two-year terms through rotation. India has served as a non-permanent member multiple times but remains outside the permanent circle.
The Council’s Authority
The UNSC can impose sanctions on nations, authorize peacekeeping forces, approve military action, and recommend cases to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Russia’s Backing for India
Russia has been vocal about reforms in the UNSC. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized, “UNSC reform is essential since today’s global balance is not the same as 80 years ago.” He further stated that Russia supports India and Brazil for permanent membership.
Mauritius and Bhutan’s Endorsement
Mauritius Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful said, “India has now become a major global player and deserves a permanent seat.” Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay also urged that countries like India and Japan should be included.
France’s Position
France once again extended support for India, Germany, Brazil, and Japan to become permanent members. French Deputy Permanent Representative Nathalie Broadhurst said, “France’s stance is consistent and well-known. We want the Council to represent today’s world more effectively.” She added that emerging powers willing and capable of taking responsibility must be considered, suggesting the Council could expand up to 25 members.
America’s Support
The United States has also reiterated support. In 2022, President Joe Biden announced at the UN General Assembly, “America supports India’s permanent membership.”
G-4 Alliance
India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan — together known as the G-4 — have consistently supported each other’s candidature for permanent seats.
Support from the UN
UN Secretary-General António Guterres also expressed that India deserves permanent membership, stressing the urgent need for UNSC reform.
Where Does the Deadlock Lie?
Despite wide backing, India’s bid faces hurdles. In 2024, during a Rajya Sabha session, MP Abdul Wahab asked the Foreign Minister about progress. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar replied, “Securing permanent UNSC membership remains India’s top priority. India possesses the credentials to become a permanent member in an expanded and improved Council.”
He added that India actively works through bilateral and multilateral channels, engages in Inter-Governmental Negotiations (IGN), and cooperates with groups like G-4, L.69, and Global South nations to build momentum.
However, UNSC reforms require amending the UN Charter. Article 108 states amendments pass only if two-thirds of the General Assembly approve and all five permanent members ratify. Even one permanent member’s opposition halts the process. China’s resistance poses the biggest challenge, as it does not want India to gain veto power and expand its influence in Asia.
India’s Argument
India argues that the current UNSC structure, created in 1945, no longer reflects global realities. Africa, Latin America, and South Asia lack representation among permanent members. With its vast population, growing economy, peacekeeping contributions, and global role, India believes permanent membership is justified.
India’s Membership Record
Though not a permanent member, India has served as a non-permanent member eight times:
1950–51, 1967–68, 1972–73, 1977–78, 1984–85, 1991–92, 2011–12, and 2021–22.
Will India Get Veto Power?
Veto power remains the real question. Presently, only the P5 nations enjoy it. Some countries argue that new permanent members should not receive veto rights to avoid complexity. Others say denying veto makes membership incomplete. India insists that if it becomes permanent, it must have equal status with veto rights.
