Andrei A. Gromyko, USSR, leaves after first session of the United Nations Security Council (1946) held at Hunter College.
By Newswriters Editorial Desk
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC), established in 1945 to maintain global peace and security, is increasingly seen as out of step with today’s multipolar world. With its permanent membership limited to five nations—the United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China—the council’s structure reflects a post-World War II order that critics argue fails to account for emerging powers and new geopolitical realities.
Calls for reform, particularly to include nations like India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan, have gained urgency as global challenges like climate change, regional conflicts, and economic disparities demand a more representative body. India, with its growing economic might and diplomatic influence, has emerged as a leading candidate for a permanent seat, reigniting a decades-long debate about overhauling the UNSC.
The push for reform stems from the council’s outdated composition. The P5’s veto power often paralyzes decision-making, as seen in stalled resolutions on Ukraine and the Middle East. Meanwhile, the Global South, representing a significant share of the world’s population and economic growth, remains underrepresented.
India’s case is bolstered by its status as the world’s fifth-largest economy, projected to be third by 2030, and its active role in forums like the G20 and BRICS. At the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the need for “reformed multilateralism” to create “a more equitable global order.” Support from major powers, including the US, France, and Germany, has further strengthened India’s bid, though opposition from China and procedural complexities in the UN General Assembly pose significant hurdles.
The urgency of reform is not merely structural but strategic. Analysts argue that excluding rising powers risks undermining the UNSC’s legitimacy. “A council that ignores India’s 1.4 billion people and its global contributions lacks credibility,” said Dr. Aparna Pande of the Hudson Institute. “Reform isn’t just about fairness—it’s about effectiveness in addressing crises like Gaza or climate change.”
The G4 nations (India, Brazil, Germany, Japan) have long advocated for expansion, proposing additional permanent and non-permanent seats to reflect demographic and economic shifts. Yet, progress remains slow, with negotiations mired in competing national interests.
India’s inclusion has garnered growing international backing. Last October, US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron joined calls for a “more representative” UNSC, explicitly endorsing India alongside other candidates. The momentum reflects a broader recognition that the council must evolve to tackle 21st-century challenges, from cybersecurity to pandemics, where emerging economies play pivotal roles.
Adding fresh impetus to this debate, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, during his two-day visit to India concluding today, strongly endorsed India’s permanent UNSC membership. Speaking in Mumbai alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 9, Starmer declared that India deserves its “rightful place” in global decision-making.
The joint statement from their talks reaffirmed the UK’s “long-standing support” for India’s aspirations in a reformed UNSC, tying it to a broader vision of “reformed multilateralism.” Starmer’s visit, his first to India since taking office, also saw discussions on deepening bilateral ties through the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, a Climate Technology Startup Fund, and the Technology Security Initiative. Modi called the UK a “natural partner” in building global stability, while Starmer’s delegation of over 120 British business leaders underscored the economic stakes of the partnership.
As Starmer’s endorsement reverberates, the spotlight returns to the UN. With India’s diplomatic push intensifying and global crises exposing the UNSC’s limitations, the call for reform is no longer a question of if but when—and how. The world watches to see if the council can adapt to a new era or risk fading into irrelevance.1.2sFastHow can Grok help?
