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After voting at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) took place in adherence with social distancing guidelines, India was been formally elected as a “non-permanent” member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) after winning 184 out of 192 votes, for a term starting January 2021, The Times of India reported. India’s victory was given since it was the only candidate from the Asia-Pacific category.
India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti had said that India’s presence in the Security Council will help bring to the world its ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, TOI reported.
The UNSC has five permanent members – China, France, Russia, United Kingdom and the United States of America. The other seats for non-permanent members have been filled by Mexico, Ireland and Norway and the council still has to take a call on the fifth seat which is being contested by Kenya and Djibouti.
In order to be elected to the Council, candidate countries need a two-thirds majority of ballots from member states. India will now sit in the council with the 5 permanent members as well as non-permanent members Estonia, Niger, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tunisia and Vietnam.
The UNSC has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. Under its responsibilities, the Council may issue ceasefire directives, dispatch military observers or a peacekeeping force, may opt for enforcement measures like economic sanctions, arms embargoes, blockades or collective military action.
Previously, India has been elected as a non-permanent member of the Council for the years 1950-51, 1967-68, 1972-73, 1977-78, 1984-85, 1991-92 and 2011-12. As per Economic Times, the Centre’s priorities include effective fight against terror and reformed multilateralism as it aims to boost its status as a major power. India has long been pushing to get a permanent seat at the UNSC, advocating that it doesn’t reflect the geo-political realities of the 21st century.
Speaking to reporters, Vikas Swarup, spokesperson MEA, said that India’s presence on the UNSC and its performance will underscore India’s value and reaffirm its credentials to become a permanent member of the UNSC.
On June 5, 2020, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had launched a brochure outlining India’s priorities for its campaign to secure the seat at the UNSC. The five priorities set were – New opportunities for progress, effective response to international terrorism, reforming the multilateral system, a comprehensive approach to international peace and security, promoting technology with a human touch as a driver of solutions.
He also said that the approach would be guided by Five S’s set by the Prime Minister, namely – Samman (respect), Samvad (Dialogue), Sahyog (cooperation), Shanti (peace) and Samriddhi (prosperity).
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