A recent discussion on the popular television program 'The Big Picture' was centered around India's aspiration for a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The discussion was insightful, shedding light on various aspects of this complex issue.
The panel of experts consisted of Harsh V. Pant, Head of Strategic Studies at the Observer Research Foundation, Pramit Pal Chaudhuri, Foreign Editor of Hindustan Times, and Anil Trigunayat, a former ambassador. The discussion was moderated by Frank Rausan Pereira.
The conversation began by addressing the recent comments made by Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, who asserted that India has a rightful claim to a permanent seat at the UNSC. This was in the backdrop of the latest UNSC meeting on Kashmir, initiated by China, which underscored India's need to muster more strength to prevent China from using the UNSC against India’s interests.
The panelists then moved on to discuss India's claims for a permanent seat at the UNSC. They noted that India's claims are rooted in several factors, including its representation of a significant portion of the global population, its status as a founding member of the United Nations, its steadfast adherence to the principles and values of the UN, its notable contributions to the UN Peace Keeping Force, and its rising economic power. The panelists also highlighted India's independent foreign policy which often diverges from the stance of the permanent members of the UNSC.
The conversation then shifted to other contenders for a permanent seat at the UNSC, including Germany, Japan, Brazil, and several African countries. The discussion touched upon the various challenges these countries face in their bid for a permanent seat, ranging from opposition from other countries to economic difficulties.
The panelists also delved into the role of China in this context. They noted that China has been subtly conducting a campaign to thwart India's efforts at the UNSC. The discussion further explored the dynamics of the China-Pakistan relationship and its implications for India.
The views of other permanent members of the UNSC were also discussed. The panelists noted that while France and Russia have expressed support for India's bid for a permanent seat, the US has been more ambiguous in its stance.
The conversation concluded with a discussion on the way forward. The panelists agreed that India needs to continue lobbying for its rightful place at the UNSC by mobilizing global public opinion in its favor. They also suggested that India should focus on becoming a more economically, militarily, and diplomatically influential power.
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