India’s presence in UNSC

Context: The recent elections to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) provides an opportunity for India to uphold the ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ worldwide.

India’s contributions to the United Nations:

• Trusted member: India is a sole nominee of the only seat as the 55 member South Asia grouping unanimously endorsed India’s election
• India has been elected as a non-permanent member of the Security Council for the years 1950-1951, 1967-1968, 1972-1973, 1977-1978, 1984-1985, 1991-1992 and most recently in 2011-2012.
• At the forefront of UNSC reforms: which in current form does not represent the geo-political realities of the 21st century.
• Leader of anticolonialism: not only within the UN but outside also through the struggle against colonialism and apartheid.
• Leadership role in peacekeeping.
• Launch of India Human Development Partnership Fund.

• Installed Gandhi Solar Park on the roof of the UN headquarters. 
• PM Modi’s call for International yoga Day.
• Pioneering men and women:
• A.R. Mudaliar, as the first President of UN v Economic and Social Council ECOSOC in 1946.
• Hansa Mehta, credited for changing the phrase All men are born free to All human being are born free in the language of Article 1 of Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
• Laxmi Menon (1948) argued forcefully in the favor of non-discrimination based on sex.
• Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, first woman to be elected as the President of the General Assembly in 1953.

Way Forward:

• Focus on New Orientation for A Reformed Multilateral System’ (NORMS): priorities include:
• Opportunities for progress, effective response to the international terrorism.
• Reforming multilateral systems
• Comprehensive approach to peace and security.
• Technology with a human touch.