Context: Shift in the attitude of India from reactive to proactive in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
India’s Tenure in UNSC: Since the end of cold war
1st Tenure(1991-92):
Global scenario: Collapse of the Soviet Union, end of the Cold War and Russia’s turn to the United States (US) and the West - An era of Great Power Cooperation
China was opening its economy and keeps a low profile in the unipolar moment.
Indian Scenario: Broken economy and political bush fires.
Contemporary objectives of countries:
Western countries: Geopolitical overreach at the UN.
Liberal countries: sought to transform the “inter-national” forum into a “supra-national” institution that would actively reshape the domestic structures of different societies.
India: To resist the external imposition of solutions to its manifold problems — especially on the Kashmir question and the nuclear issue.
2nd Tenure(2011-12):
Global Scenario: Revival of Russia and the rise of China.
Indian Scenario: Less defensive than in the 1990’s due to rapid economic growth.
3rd Tenure(present):
Global Scenario: Differences between the US, China, and Russia have become intractable as China becomes a great power and Russia moved closer to China.
Indian Scenario: Change in attitude from reactive to proactive.
Objectives of India: That India should pursue in its tenure at UNSC.
Make UNSC “effective”: UNSC is less effective due to deep divisions among major powers.
It should be effective since it offers room for sustained diplomatic interaction between the major powers, who could minimise tensions and create new opportunities for cooperation.
Make UNSC more “representative”: Partnership with Brazil, Germany and Japan, to expand the UNSC must continue.
“Work with” China with an open mind:It is important to deal with Pakistan and to get membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
Engage with peace and security issues at the UNSC: It will allow India to strengthen its new coalitions such as the Quad — which brings together Australia, India, Japan and the US.
Improve ties with partners: like France and Germany in the security arena, find common ground with “Global Britain”, engage with Russia irrespective of its problems with west and closer ties with China.
Revitalise engagement with the “global south”: By articulating their peace and security concerns in the UNSC.
E.g. Support the sovereignty and survivability of the island states that face existential challenges from global warming and rising sea levels.
Improve ties with Africa: Nearly half of UNSC meetings, 60 %of its documents, and 70 % of its resolutions are about peace and security in Africa. It has three seats in the UNSC (Kenya, Niger and Tunisia)
Conclusion: In sum, India should integrate its UNSC engagement with broader national goals while adapting to changed realities.