India at UN high table

Topics Covered: Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate.

Context:

India has entered the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as a non-permanent member and it will stay on the council for two years.

India at UNSC:

India has served in the UN Security Council seven times previously.
In 1950-51, India presided over the adoption of resolutions calling for cessation of hostilities during the Korean War and for assistance to Republic of Korea.
In 1972-73, India pushed strongly for admission of Bangladesh into UN. The resolution was not adopted because of a veto by a permanent member.
In 1977-78, India was a strong voice for Africa in the UNSC and spoke against apartheid. Then External Affairs Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee spoke in UNSC for Namibia’s independence in 1978.
In 1984-85, India was a leading voice in UNSC for resolution of conflicts in the Middle East, especially Palestine and Lebanon.
In 2011-2012, India was a strong vice for developing world, peacekeeping, counter-terrorism and Africa.
India chaired the UNSC 1373 Committee concerning Counter-Terrorism, the 1566 Working Group concerning threat to international peace and security by terrorist acts, and Security Council 751/1907 Committee concerning Somalia and Eritrea.

UN REFORMS:

New Delhi has said it is essential that the Security Council is expanded in both the permanent and non-permanent categories.

It says India is eminently suited for permanent UNSC membership by any objective criteria, such as population, territorial size, GDP, economic potential, civilisational legacy, cultural diversity, political system and past and ongoing contributions to UN activities especially to UN peacekeeping operations.

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Discuss why India should be given a permanent seat at the UNSC.

Sources: Indian Express.