It’s the high table where India has long sought a seat as a legitimate right as the world’s largest democracy and an important military and economic power. However, it has found the door tightly shut to the permanent membership of the UN Security Council (UNSC) — the select club of the US, Russia, China, France and the UK. New Delhi has had to be content with periodic election as a non-permanent member and has now begun its month-long presidency of the key UN body. Here’s what that means and how it has said it plans to drive the agenda of the Security Council under its leadership.
How Did The UNSC Presidency Pass To India?
Apart from the five permanent members, the UNSC also includes 10 non-permanent members who are each chosen for a two-year term. India has been elected as a non-permanent member on seven occasions in the past and started its eighth stint on January 1 this year. The 10 non-permanent members have to earn election by the UN General Assembly. According to UN…