India has recently rejoined the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as a non-permanent member for the eighth time, marking yet another significant achievement in its diplomatic history. The country’s tenure on the council spans two years, from 2021 to 2022.
India’s Contributions at the UNSC
Ever since its first term at the UNSC in 1950-51, India has been instrumental in shaping numerous pivotal resolutions and playing a key role in maintaining global peace and security. Noteworthy contributions include presiding over resolutions for the cessation of hostilities during the Korean War and offering assistance to the Republic of Korea in 1950-51.
Again, during its term from 1967-68, they co-sponsored Resolution 238, extending the mandate of the UN mission in Cyprus, while also pushing extensively for the admission of Bangladesh into the UN in the 1972-73 term.
From 1977-78, India was a strong voice for Africa at the UNSC, speaking against apartheid and advocating for Namibia’s independence in 1978. It also played an essential role in resolving conflicts in the Middle East, especially Palestine and Lebanon during its term from 1984-85.
Later Contributions and Challenges
While serving on the council in 2011-12, India championed issues concerning the developing world, peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and Africa. This term also saw India’s first statement on Syria when it was presiding over the UNSC. India chaired several crucial UNSC committees ranging from Counter-Terrorism to those concerning Somalia and Eritrea.
However, as India embarks on another term at the UNSC, it faces numerous formidable challenges. Beijing’s increasing assertion on the global stage, aggressive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific and along the Indo-China border are among the most critical ones.
The Post-Covid World Order
In addition to geopolitical challenges, India is also expected to handle the ramifications of the global economic crisis triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic, including health emergencies and recessions in various countries.
Balancing Major Powers and an Unstable West Asia
With escalating tensions between major powers like the USA and Russia, the situation in the UNSC becomes even more volatile. Further, the increasing tensions between the USA and Iran add another layer of complexity to the scenario.
About the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
The United Nations Charter established six main organs, including the UN Security Council (UNSC). The UNSC has primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security and can convene whenever peace is threatened. Although other UN organs can make recommendations, only the Security Council has the power to implement decisions under the Charter.
The UNSC consists of 15 members: 5 permanent and 10 non-permanent. Non-permanent members are selected based on regional distribution and serve for two years. India has been advocating for a permanent seat at the UNSC, citing criteria such as population, territorial size, economic potential, civilisational legacy, cultural diversity, political system, and contributions to UN activities.
