India’s new claim in UNSC… How are elections conducted, how much support is required to win?

India has started the campaign for temporary membership of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the term of 2028-29. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has presented India’s claim with ‘SHANTI’ vision. To win this election, two-thirds of the United Nations General Assembly i.e. at least 128-129 votes will be required. India has been a temporary member 8 times so far. Let us understand in 6 points how this election is conducted, how strong is India’s claim and when will the dream of permanent membership be fulfilled.

1. How strong is India’s claim in UNSC?

India has presented its candidature amid increasing geopolitical tensions in the world, such as Ukraine war, Gaza conflict and Iran-Israel tension. India’s emphasis is on becoming the voice of the Global South (developing countries) and restoring peace in the world.

• Elections and Voting: Elections for the term 2028-29 will be held next year i.e. in June 2027.
• Support: Many countries like America, France, Austria, Fiji and Sri Lanka have supported India.
• biggest challenge: This time, not Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan, but Tajikistan is standing in front of India for this only seat in the Asia-Pacific Group. Tajikistan is likely to get the support of OIC (Organization of 57 Muslim countries). In such a situation, India will have to make a major diplomatic mobilization.

2. How many times did India attend UNSC?

India has been a temporary member of UNSC 8 times so far.

• Major Accomplishments: India’s biggest contribution has been in UN peacekeeping. Till now India has sent more than 3 lakh soldiers in more than 50 missions.
• pressing issues: India has always played a major role in eliminating terrorism, maritime security, against apartheid and colonialism. During 2021-22, India showed global leadership through vaccine diplomacy in the Covid pandemic.

3. When will the dream of permanent membership be fulfilled?

India does not want to remain a guest for just two years, rather its aim is to get a permanent seat i.e. permanent membership.

• Difference between temporary and permanent: The tenure of permanent members never ends and they have veto power. Temporary members are elected only for 2 years and do not get veto power.
• Why India’s claim? India considers its right as the country with the world’s largest population, fifth largest economy and an important contribution to world peace.
• Stance of P5 countries: America, Russia, France and Britain verbally support India for a permanent seat, but China poses obstacles.
• Demand of G4 countries: India, Japan, Germany and Brazil (G4 countries) support each other. He argues that the UN structure created in 1945 does not reflect today’s reality and it should be changed immediately.

4. How does the UN Security Council work?

The main work of the United Nations Security Council is to maintain peace and security in the world.

• the Clansman: 15 members (5 permanent + 10 temporary).
• P5 (permanent member): America, China, Russia, France and Britain.
• Veto Power: It has the power to stop any proposal. If 14 members are in favor of a proposal, but one of the 5 permanent countries vetoes it, then the proposal is canceled.

Major decisions of the world like imposing sanctions on any country, sending peacekeeping force or approving international military action are passed only through the UNSC resolution. 9 votes are required for a decision (in which veto is not used). The non-permanent member presides and can move motions, but does not have a veto.

5. Why is UNSC seat important for India’s foreign policy?

• Pakistan and terrorism: This seat gives a strong platform to India to declare Lashkar or Jaish terrorists as global terrorists and to counter Pakistan’s false propaganda on the international stage.
• Voice of the Global South: Whenever there are wars in the world, there is a crisis of oil, food and fertilizer in poor countries. India raises the voice of such countries.
• Role on global issues: Amidst the Ukraine war, Gaza crisis and ongoing tension on Iran, India has stayed away from factionalism. Also, India has suggested the path of dialogue and diplomacy.

6. Complete mathematics of UNSC elections

The election process is very strict and it is divided into groups (regional quotas).

• Regional Quota: 10 temporary seats are reserved for different parts of the world. 5 for African and Asian countries, 1 for Eastern Europe, 2 for Latin America and 2 for Western Europe or others. Every year elections are held for 5 seats.
• Asia-Pacific Group: There is only one seat in the account of Asia-Pacific Group in 2028-29, for which there is a direct competition between India and Tajikistan.
• Election Process: Voting takes place in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). This is done through secret ballot.
• Two-thirds majority rule: Two-thirds majority of the total members present is required for victory. There are 193 members in the UN, which means at least 128-129 votes are required to win.

India’s track record has been excellent. In the 2021 elections, India got 184 votes out of 192. Although Tajikistan’s candidature has made the contest interesting, India’s diplomatic strength and global credibility make it a strong contender in this election.

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