At the High Table

Context: India’s election to the non-permanent seat of the UNSC has put it at the high table. It should push of reforms and adopt a value-based position to become the voice of weaker nations.

Outcomes of the recent elections for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council:

• Diplomatic victory for India: India was unanimously elected through secret ballot and crossed the threshold of two-third majority securing 184 out of 193 votes.
• Mexico, Norway, and Ireland: elected from Latin America and Western Europe and Others Group respectively.
• Failed candidates: Canada filed to win enough votes; Kenya and Djibouti will face another vote as both failed to win the seat from Africa.

India’s approach for the support:

• Commitment to multilateralism and reforms: was highlighted by India to get the support of member countries.
• Launched a campaign brochure: A “new orientation for a reformed multilateral system” (NORMS) as the overall objective:
• Demand for transparency in the mandate of UN peacekeeping missions.
• Push for India-led Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.
• Called for joint efforts for UN reforms and expansion of UNSC; the structure of UNSC doesn’t reflect the realities of 21st Century

Way Forward:

• Utilize the opportunity: Increasing support from member countries and election to the UNSC must be used to re-draw contours of global geopolitics.
• Avoid temptations of taking sides: amidst the pandemic when the global order is already shaken up by the rivalry of U.S-China.
• Adopt value-based positions: that are not transactional and aspire for the leadership of non-permanent members of the Council