UNSC Permanent Seat: At the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay strongly demanded major reforms to the Security Council (UNSC). He categorically stated that, given the changing global circumstances, countries like India and Japan should be granted permanent UNSC membership. This statement comes at a time when India has long been raising this demand, and it received widespread support at the recent BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting.
India and Japan Deserving
In his address, Prime Minister Tobgay stated that the UNSC should not remain merely a ceremonial body but should become a powerful institution capable of effectively addressing global challenges. He emphasized that Bhutan fully supports UN reforms, including the expansion of the Security Council. Tobgay specifically advocated for granting permanent membership to capable and leading countries like India and Japan, which can make significant contributions to global peace and security.
BRICS Support
Bhutan's statement comes at a time when the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) have also supported a greater role for India and Brazil in the UNSC. At the recent BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting, China and Russia also reiterated their respect for India and Brazil's aspirations for a stronger role in the UNSC. This support further strengthens India's claim.
India's Long-Standing Demand
India has been calling for reform of the UNSC for decades. In particular, it has repeatedly stressed the need for greater participation of Asian and African countries on this global platform. However, India's path to permanent membership has remained blocked so far due to China's persistent opposition. The UNSC is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, comprising five permanent members (P5: the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, and France) and ten non-permanent members. Permanent members have the power to veto any resolution. The term of temporary members is two years.
Global Support for India
India enjoys strong and cordial relations with all of the P5 countries—the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, and France—except China. France has already openly supported India's bid for permanent membership. If China refrains from using its veto power, India's path to a permanent seat in the UNSC could become easier. Passing a resolution in the UNSC requires the support of nine out of 15 members, but a veto by one permanent member could result in the resolution's rejection.
Need for Global Reforms
This statement by the Bhutanese Prime Minister is being seen as an important step towards making the UNSC structure more inclusive on the global stage. A permanent seat on the UNSC for countries like India, which play a vital role in the global economy, peace, and security, would not only enhance the institution's relevance but also enable it to address global challenges more effectively.