What could be the implications of India becoming a permanent member of the UN Security Council?

What could be the implications of India becoming a permanent member of
the UN Security Council?


Keerthi Sampath Kumar replies: To understand what the implications
could be, it is necessary to first look at why India wants to become a
permanent member of the Council. An expansion in Council membership
would, according to India, reflect the ‘contemporary realities’ (and
not the world ‘realities’ of the pre-Cold War era when the UN came
into being), make the system more democratic and also enhance the
credibility and effectiveness of the Council in dealing with global
issues. India’s inclusion as a permanent member would also be an
acknowledgement of its growing importance in global governance. If
India does become a permanent member, naturally it would join the P5
club and enjoy veto rights.

Those opposed to the expansion of the Security Council argue that if
the number of member states who have the power to veto any resolution
increases, the impending possibility of a prolonged deadlock over
global issues that would require immediate attention also increases.
This would in turn impinge on the effectiveness and efficiency of the
Council in maintaining global peace and security, the very reason that
India envisions an expanded Council. There is also an apprehension
among the international community that if countries like India,
Germany become permanent members to the exclusion of other nations,
such a reform would not make the system any more democratic than what
it is today.

Nevertheless, it has to be acknowledged that the current Council
structure is not conducive for maintaining global peace and security.
It remains to be seen how the Security Council can be reformed to make
it more efficient and effective and at the same time reflect the
realities of today.