Jaishankar: India will get a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council

Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated India’s longstanding aspiration for permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). During a dialogue with intellectuals in the city of Rajkot, Gujarat, he emphasized the necessity for increased efforts to secure this position. Jaishankar underscored the significance of India’s potential permanent membership in the UNSC, acknowledging the global sentiment favoring India’s inclusion. He highlighted the challenges ahead, emphasizing the need for persistent diligence and diplomatic maneuvering.

Jaishankar referenced the historical formation of the UN and the subsequent establishment of the UNSC, where five countries (China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States) assumed permanent membership. He noted the disparity between the number of sovereign states at the time of the UN’s founding and the present, highlighting the need for reform to reflect contemporary global realities.

The Foreign Minister acknowledged collaborative efforts with countries like Japan, Germany, and Brazil in presenting proposals for UNSC reform, indicating a collective push for progress. However, he stressed the importance of exerting pressure and fostering consensus within the international community to advance the reform agenda. Jaishankar cautioned against complacency, citing instances such as the Ukraine conflict and the Gaza situation where the UNSC faced challenges in achieving unanimity.

In conclusion, Jaishankar affirmed India’s commitment to securing permanent membership in the UNSC but emphasized the necessity for sustained dedication and strategic engagement in the diplomatic arena.