Our Place at the Global High Table

Context: The recent speech by the Indian Prime Minister at 75th United Nations General Assembly has reignited India’s claim at the Security Council and need for reform in the United Nations (UN).

Need for United Nation’s Reform: due to following reasons - 

• Change in the global scenario: Global politics has changed drastically since the formation of the United Nations in 1945 to usher the world in global peace after World War 2. 

• A shift in the Geopolitics: due to the Cold war, the disintegration of the Soviet, reunification of Germany, waves of decolonisation, civil wars in many states and creation of smaller states.

• Neglect of reforms and restructuring:  Even after the increase in the member states from 50 in 1945 (UN Charter) to 193 countries today, the Security Council is still dominated by P-5.

• For, E.g. representation of Africa and South America has been disproportionately low in the UN, which is dominated by five nations. 

• Incompetence during the pandemic: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has failed to provide succour and hope to the poor and the weaker nations.

Arguments in Favour of India’s Permanent Membership:

• Representative Of Smaller States: The world is looking up to India as it has made a valuable contribution to the growth and success of the UN.

• For, E.g. out of 190 members states, 187 voted in favour of India’s non-permanent membership in United Nation’s Security Council (UNSC).

• Commendable Socio-Economic Progress: India has managed to make the lives of its citizens better through various social and economic schemes, through the policy of “reform, perform and transform”.

• 40 Crore people added into the banking system, 
• 60 crore people out of the curse of open defection,
• Scheme to provide drinking water to 15 crore households, 
• Connecting six lakhs villages with high-speed broadband,
• Improving healthcare infrastructure under Ayushman Bharat and 
• Philosophy of Atmanirbhar Bharat(self-reliant) is widely appreciated around the world.

• Obligation and responsibility of India to fight for its core values: of global peace, prosperity, universal brotherhood and security.

• A testimony to India’s commitment is its unwavering contribution to peace missions and the supreme sacrifices made by the country’s soldiers. 

• India, as the world’s largest democracy: India is home to 18% of the global population and is an important part of the world’s economic progress, justifies its seat at the permanent table of UNSC.
• Responsible Nuclear Power: India being a Nuclear capable state, has remained committed to nuclear non-proliferation and global peace.

Conclusion: The PM has rightfully asserted that the UN’s 75th anniversary should not just be a symbolic affair. It should go down in history as a landmark occasion by making the body more inclusive, with India deserving its rightful position at the global body.