The United States has strongly reiterated its support for India’s long-standing ambition to gain a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). This backing, delivered during the recent Quad Summit held in Delaware, underscores a significant geopolitical development that could reshape the global power structure. The Quad members, which include the United States, India, Japan, and Australia, issued a joint statement advocating for comprehensive reforms in the UNSC to reflect the changing dynamics of global governance.

US endorses India’s rise in global diplomacy

The key takeaway from the Quad Summit is the United States’ renewed commitment to India’s inclusion as a permanent member of the UNSC. According to reports, US President Joe Biden emphasised India’s growing role in global diplomacy and supported its bid for a permanent seat during discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Biden administration has stressed that global institutions, such as the UN, must evolve to incorporate the voices of influential nations like India. The White House stated that Biden reaffirmed Washington’s support for the reform of the UN Security Council, which should include permanent membership for India.

This stance aligns with India’s sustained efforts to secure a permanent seat, a goal it has been pursuing for years. As the world’s largest democracy, India has argued that its expanding global influence and significant contributions to UN peacekeeping missions make it an ideal candidate for permanent membership. The US endorsement comes at a crucial time when discussions about reforming the UNSC have been gaining traction, especially as global power dynamics shift towards the Indo-Pacific region.

Quad strengthens the call for UN reforms

During the summit, the Quad leaders echoed the need for a more representative and inclusive UNSC. The statement issued by the group underscored that reforming the council is essential for making it more transparent, accountable, and democratic. This includes an expansion of both permanent and non-permanent members, with specific calls for greater representation from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. India, along with Japan and Germany, has been at the forefront of this campaign, advocating for a UNSC that better reflects contemporary global realities.

India’s inclusion as a permanent member has been a divisive topic. Currently, the UNSC’s five permanent members—Russia, China, the US, the UK, and France—hold the significant power of veto. Reforming the council would require the agreement of two-thirds of the UN General Assembly as well as the approval of all permanent members. While the US, UK, and France have shown support for India’s inclusion, China remains a critical obstacle, historically opposing the idea due to its geopolitical interests in the region.

Global reactions and expert opinions

Experts see the US endorsement as a turning point in India’s diplomatic efforts. Political analyst Samantha Power remarked that the Quad’s unified stance on UNSC reform reflects the growing recognition of India’s role as a global power. Power noted that India’s presence as a permanent member would bring more balance to the Security Council, especially in the context of Indo-Pacific affairs. However, the reform process is expected to be slow and complex, given the challenges of amending the UN Charter and overcoming resistance from current permanent members.

The Quad’s emphasis on a more inclusive and democratic Security Council also points to the broader geopolitical shifts occurring, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. The region’s increasing strategic importance, coupled with China’s assertive foreign policy, has pushed the Quad nations closer together. This partnership not only addresses military and economic challenges but also seeks to restructure global governance.

A long road ahead

India’s push for a permanent seat at the UNSC is far from over. Although the US backing is a crucial win for New Delhi, it must navigate a complex web of international diplomacy to realise its ambitions. Securing support from two-thirds of the UN General Assembly and managing the veto powers of the existing permanent members will be a daunting challenge. Nevertheless, the Quad’s unified stance and the US’s vocal support are major steps towards making UNSC reform a reality.

As the global landscape evolves, the demand for reforming international institutions like the UNSC will only grow. India, with its increasing economic and political influence, is well-positioned to shape the future of global governance. While there are hurdles ahead, the momentum created by the Quad summit indicates that the path towards a reformed UNSC, with India as a permanent member, is gaining traction.

  Australia, China, France, India, Indo-Pacific, Japan, Joe Biden, Narendra Modi, Quad, Russia, UK, UN Security Council, United Nations, United States