Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.
Government policies and interventions for security
In an uncertain world, a seat at the global high table
Context: India will be back in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for a two-year term beginning January 1, 2021
By 2021, it is hoped that
COVID-19 will have subsided
U.S. President will have been elected,
The contours of a new world order may have emerged
About this year’s election to non-permanent seat
In the order of the number of votes received by each one, the countries elected were Mexico, India, Norway, Ireland and Kenya.
Since there was no endorsement in the African Group, Kenya had to go for a second round against Djibouti.
Kenya was the favourite of the West and Djibouti was supported by China and the Islamic states.
In the Western European and Others Group, Canada lost to Ireland in a contentious contest.
What impact did COVID-19 have election process?
Ambassadors were allowed to enter the General Assembly Hall one by one to cast their ballots instead of the simultaneous voting
The campaign was also unconventional — it took place through Zoom conversations and the sharing of brochures and pamphlets, rather than through personal meetings
How will India gain by getting elected to UNSC as non-permanent member?
Enhances hope for Permanent Seat: out of the 192 votes cast, India got 184 which has understandably ignited the hope that its quest for permanent membership of the Council may succeed
Access to High Diplomacy: India will also have access into the consultations chamber of the UNSC, which is closed to non-members of the Council. It is there that hard negotiations take place without any public record.
Push for India’s interest: Counter-terrorism will be one of the highest priorities for India at the UNSC.
Higher Profile: India will have a higher profile at the UN for the next two years as the non-permanent members have a collective veto over every resolution in the Council.
Active Diplomacy: Permanent members can prevent adoption of resolutions by themselves, but they need at least nine votes to get a resolution passed, where India can play active lobbying role which might serve its interests
Challenges for India
India’s performance in the Council may earn it respect, but it will not lead to its elevation to permanent membership as there is strong opposition to any expansion from permanent members
The pressure of work of Indian mission will also increase because India will get involved in many issues in which it may not have any direct interest.
Since India does not have a veto, it shall have to proceed cautiously not to offend anyone particularly the veto members so that they don’t retaliate when India’s interests come up
