India assumes UNSC Presidency

India assumes UNSC Presidency

Part of: GS Prelims and GS – II – International Relations 

In news India has assumed the Presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) 

• Taking over the Presidency from France, this is India’s first Presidency during its 2021-22 tenure as a non-permanent member of Security COuncil. 
• India’s two-year tenure as a non-permanent member began in January 2021.
• It will again take over as the President of the Council in December 2022.

What will be India’s agenda during its Presidency?

• During its Presidency, India will be organizing high-level signature events in three major areas:
  • Maritime security
  • Peacekeeping and
  • Counterterrorism

About United Nations Security Council

• The UNSC is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations 
• It is charged with the maintenance of international peace and security.
• Its powers include the establishment of peacekeeping operations, the establishment of international sanctions, and the authorization of military action through Security Council resolutions.
• It is the only UN body with the authority to issue binding resolutions to member states.
• The Security Council consists of fifteen members. 
• Permanent members (P5): Russia, UK, France, China, and USA 
• These permanent members can veto any substantive Security Council resolution, including those on the admission of new member states or candidates for Secretary-General.
• The Security Council also has 10 non-permanent members, elected on a regional basis to serve two-year terms. 

• The body’s presidency rotates monthly among its 15 members.

News Source: TH