In an Uncertain World, a Seat at the Global High Table

Context: India has been elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC). It has to proceed cautiously by taking balanced positions and consensus building in the uncertain world.

Nature of election to the non-permanent membership of UNSC:

• Contest for the non-permanent seats takes place in the respective regional groups and their sub-groups. 
• Voting: 2/3rd majority of the member states required to become the non-permanent member of UNSC.
• Regional endorsement:  All countries, except those with any grievance against the candidates, vote for the candidate.
• Secret ballot method: is followed in the elections of candidates for non-permanent membership.

Concerns associated with the UN:

• Vested interests: 

• The expected changes after 9/11 did not materialise due to vested interests and traditional positions.
• Lack of consensus to fight terrorism: The UN did not succeed in either defining terrorism or in adopting the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

• Issue of Permanent membership and veto:

• Securing a two-thirds majority of the General Assembly and the votes of the five permanent members to get permanent membership is difficult. 
• Majority of the UN members are against the privileges of the permanent members (veto).

Way Forward: 

• Counter-terrorism: India should give high priority to counter-terrorism at the UNSC.
• Provide new orientation: In the post-COVID world, India needs to provide leadership and a new orientation for a reformed multilateral system.
• Exercise collective veto: India along with other non-permanent members can use a collective veto in the Council to uphold the collective interest of the global community.
• Taking balanced positions: India has to proceed cautiously by taking balanced positions and consensus-building.