India's Emergence on the Global Stage: Jaishankar Asserts "History is with US" for UNSC Seat

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has urged consideration of the rationale behind this stance, pointing out that India holds the distinction of being the world's largest democracy and the fifth-largest economy, arguing that historical factors align with New Delhi's bid for a UNSC seat.

Addressing students at Gargi College, Jaishankar discussed the concept of "Vishwabandhu Bharat", i.e., "Global Friend India", emphasising that, “As we become an emerging power, the third question, should we be in the UNSC? Absolutely, I think no question”.

In January of this year, Jaishankar highlighted the increasing international backing for a permanent Indian seat at the United Nations Security Council, underscoring the need to actively pursue opportunities even when they are not readily offered.

“With each passing year, the feeling in the world is that India should be there, and I can feel that support…The world does not give things easily and generously; sometimes you have to take them”, Jaishankar said at a Manthan Townhall meeting in Maharashtra’s Nagpur in January.

India has pursued a permanent position at the UN Security Council to advocate for the interests of developing nations. This endeavour has gained traction with international backing.

Currently, the United Nations Security Council consists of 15 member states, including five permanent members possessing veto power and 10 non-permanent members serving two-year terms.

The five permanent members of the UNSC are China, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and the United States. Non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council are elected by the UNGA to serve two-year terms.

Russia has expressed its backing for India's bid to secure a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council.

"We support India's candidacy for joining”, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov affirmed in terms India becoming a permanent member of the UN Security Council during discussions with his Indian counterpart, S Jaishankar, who was visiting Russia for a five-day diplomatic mission last year.

With the UNSC comprising five permanent members and 10 non-permanent members, India has persistently advocated for reform within the United Nations to align with evolving global realities.

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