India for the 8th consecutive time had been appointed as one of the Non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) with a near-unanimous victory of 184 votes of the 194. Let us discuss the features of the UNSC and its backstory and also we will provide our Vishleshan about how India could utilize this opportunity and satisfy its long-standing demands.
Structure of UNSC:
The United Nations Security Council is one of the six organs of the United Nations which was formed in 24th OCT 1945 is the most important and powerful organ of the UN.
It consists of Winners of World War-2 namely China, the US, France, Russia, and China as its permanent members. Prior to 1963, there were only 6 Non-permanent members along with the permanent members making it a tally of 11. But, after that, the strength increased to 10 Non-permanent members making it a 15 member group.
The 10 Non-permanent members were elected from different regions around the world with 5 from the Africa-Asian region, 1 from the Eastern European region, two from Latin America and Western Europe. Members are elected by the elections where all the members of the UN General Assembly exercise their vote. The contestant needs at least 2/3rd majority or 129 seats to secure the status of the Non-permanent region.
Powers of the Council:
- The Council can authorize the use of military force against any nation like the instance aftermath of the 2001 attacks in the US after which the council sent its troops to Afghanistan.
- It can deploy troops to maintain peace between countries undergoing conflict under the UN peacekeeping force.
- It can build resolutions which influence various countries around the world.
- The power of Non-permanent members is minimal. They can only develop agendas and contribute their ideas during discussions but major power rests in the hands of the P-5 countries which exercise all powers of council termed as Veto power.
- Tough the powers of NP (Non-permanent) members are nominal. They have the chance to chair the board for a period of 2 months during their tenure of 2 years.
What are India's targets and opportunities?
- India is one of the largest troop-contributing members of the UNSC, but they have only nominal power in taking part in bigger issues, due to the outdated reforms of the UN. Now, India has an opportunity to make changes and revamp the reforms under its initiative NORMS (New Oriental reforms for Multi-lateral systems) which was one of its election agendas.
- It can also use this opportunity to get nations on a single platform to find a solution for the COVID-19 Pandemic.
- Another major Agenda for India in its fight against terrorism is the formation of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) which aims at getting countries affected by terrorism to one platform to find a comprehensive and sustainable solution.
Previously, China and its allies have opposed this claiming that there could be discrimination to a few countries. This signifies the stand of China on terrorism and potentially shielding Pakistan.
Finally, this is a golden opportunity to gain the support of non-P-5 counties and weaker countries by representing and addressing their problems and this could create a strong bond between India and those countries which benefit India in a plethora of sectors. These steps will surely strengthen India's presence in Global stage.
Abhishek Reddy
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Nice info ..keep sharing 😄
ReplyDeleteGood work bro
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