India Secures Non-Permanent Seat at United Nations Security Council

The news of India’s election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council was reported with a sense of elation by the national media. Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna referred to it as a “chance to prove worth” for the big throne indicating India’s claim for permanent membership of the Security Council. The South Bloc is also excited about the fact that Pakistan voted in favour of India’s membership. The enthusiasm though comprehensible needs to be tempered.

[Photo Courtesy: Iran. The question is how will India use the current opportunity to demonstrate its credentials for permanent membership of the Security Council? Can India follow the course taken by Turkey and Brazil (non-permanent Security Council members) in June 2010 by voting against imposition of sanctions on Iran?

Security Council, considered inconsequential by many, continues to remain an important arena for diplomatic posturing and comprehending the foreign policy orientations of member states. Non-permanent membership of the Security Council might not be a compelling opportunity to fashion the course of international affairs but is a valuable opportunity to shape global perceptions about India’s capabilities as an emergent power.