Bhutan, Portugal Back India's UNSC Bid

Bhutan and Portugal support India's UNSC bid. India seeks permanent membership in the UNSC. Reform of the UNSC is considered necessary.

The quest for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for India has received a significant boost with the endorsement of Bhutan and Portugal. These declarations of support, coming in quick succession to similar statements from the United States, France, and Britain, signal a growing international sentiment favoring India's inclusion in the UNSC's elite circle. The UNSC currently comprises five permanent members, namely the United States, UK, China, France, and Russia, all wielding veto power over any resolution or decision. India has been advocating for its permanent membership on various global platforms, asserting its claim as a major player in global affairs. This bid, however, has faced significant roadblocks, primarily due to China's opposition, a major stumbling block for India's ambitions.

Bhutan, emphasizing India's substantial economic progress and its role as a leader within the Global South, made a compelling case for India's rightful place on the UNSC. Bhutan's Prime Minister, Tshering Tobgay, aptly described the current UNSC as a “relic of the past” and stressed the need for comprehensive reforms to reflect the evolving geopolitical, economic, and social realities of the world today. This sentiment was echoed by Portugal's Prime Minister, Lu­s Montenegro, who highlighted the UNSC's outdated composition, emphasizing the need for greater representativity and effectiveness. He underscored the critical need to reform the body, advocating for the inclusion of nations like Brazil and India as permanent members, thereby enhancing the UNSC's ability to address global challenges in a more equitable and representative manner.

The support garnered by India's bid has further solidified its position on the international stage. This growing consensus underscores the need for a reformed UNSC, one that reflects the current power dynamics and the diversity of voices within the international community. The quest for reform goes beyond simply adding new members; it calls for a more inclusive and representative body capable of effectively tackling global challenges. As the global landscape continues to evolve, the UNSC must evolve alongside, ensuring its relevance and effectiveness in addressing the complexities of the 21st century.

Source: 'Composition out of date': Bhutan, Portugal back India's UN Security Council bid