In News:

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar launched SHANTI (Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity), India's campaign for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council (2028–2029). The initiative also reiterates India's long-standing demand for permanent membership and comprehensive UNSC reforms.

India's Bid for Permanent UNSC Membership

India seeks a permanent seat in the UN Security Council (UNSC) to make global governance more representative of present-day geopolitical and economic realities. While non-permanent membership allows India to influence the Council's agenda, permanent membership would provide a lasting role in decisions relating to international peace, security, sanctions, and conflict resolution.

Evolution of the UNSC

• The UN Security Council was established in 1945 under the UN Charter with five permanent members (P5)—the United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia (formerly USSR), and China—holding veto powers.
• In 1965, the Council expanded its non-permanent seats from six to ten, increasing total membership to 15, while leaving the permanent membership unchanged.
• In 2005, India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan formed the G4 to jointly advocate expansion of permanent membership. Frequent deadlocks caused by the veto have strengthened demands for comprehensive UNSC reforms.

Why India Deserves Permanent Membership

India presents a strong case based on its demographic, economic, and diplomatic stature.

• Represents over 18% of the world's population.
• Among the world's largest and fastest-growing economies.
• One of the largest contributors to UN Peacekeeping Operations, deploying nearly 3 lakh personnel across around 50 missions since 1948.
• Has served eight terms as a non-permanent UNSC member.
• Recognised as a leading voice of the Global South, guided by the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

Challenges

India's bid faces several institutional and political obstacles.

Amending the UN Charter (Article 108) requires approval by two-thirds of the UN General Assembly and ratification by all five permanent members, giving every P5 nation an effective veto over reform.

China continues to oppose India's candidature, while the Uniting for Consensus (Coffee Club) group opposes the creation of new permanent seats. Existing permanent members are also reluctant to dilute their exclusive privileges, and disagreements persist regarding regional representation.

Way Forward

India is strengthening support through initiatives such as the SHANTI campaign, while building wider diplomatic coalitions in the UN General Assembly.

It continues to advocate text-based Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) on UNSC reforms, deepen cooperation through forums such as the G20, BRICS, Quad, and International Solar Alliance, strengthen coordination between the G4 and the African Union's Ezulwini Consensus, and remains open to a phased approach to permanent membership if it facilitates broader consensus.