. Recently, the Chairperson of the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) recognized India's significant role in UNSC

Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) is a process within the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) that focuses on reforming the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). This initiative aims to expand and restructure the UNSC to better reflect current geopolitical realities and to guarantee equitable representation for all member states of the UN.

The five core issues under discussion include: the potential addition of new permanent members, the debate over whether these new members should possess veto rights, the need for fair regional representation, proposals to increase the size of the UNSC to between 21 and 27 members, and the enhancement of working methods and the relationship with the General Assembly to improve decision-making transparency and efficiency.

The necessity for reforming the UNSC arises from its outdated power structure, which mirrors the geopolitical landscape of 1945, immediately following World War II. The five permanent members (USA, UK, France, Russia, China) retain their seats and veto power despite significant shifts in the global balance of power. The current Council fails to represent the contemporary economic and political realities of the world. Furthermore, regions such as Africa and Latin America lack permanent representation, despite their substantial contributions to global peacekeeping and economic development, leading to underrepresentation of developing countries and diminishing the UNSC's legitimacy and moral authority.

The effectiveness of the UNSC is often questioned due to the veto power held by the P5 members, which can result in deadlock and hinder decisive action during crises, as seen in situations like Syria and Ukraine. Increasing global participation through a more inclusive membership would foster broader consensus, incorporate diverse perspectives, and promote shared responsibility for maintaining global peace and security.

India's Pursuit of Permanent Membership in the United Nations Security Council: Demographic and Economic Influence: As the most populous nation and the fifth-largest economy globally, India holds considerable regional and international sway. Its expansive market, technological advancements, and strategic capabilities position it as a crucial participant in global governance.

Role in Global Peacekeeping: India has been a leading contributor to United Nations peacekeeping efforts, having deployed over 250,000 personnel across 49 of the 71 peacekeeping missions conducted thus far. Democratic Representation: As the largest democracy in the world, India's membership is posited to enhance the democratic representation within a Council that currently includes authoritarian regimes. Nuclear Accountability: Although India possesses nuclear weapons, it follows a 'No First Use' policy and is dedicated to non-proliferation, despite not being a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which it views as biased. Endorsement from Major Powers: India has received backing from four of the five permanent members of the Security Council — the United States, Russia, France, and the United Kingdom — all of whom acknowledge India's expanding influence on the global stage.

India's Ambitious Position in International Governance

• India promotes a system with more representational and distributed power, arguing for multipolarity rather than unipolarity.
• Supporting causes such as debt relief for developing countries, food security, climate justice, and development is known as global south solidarity.
• In a landmark move toward inclusivity, India welcomed the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 during its presidency.
• India's emphasis on vaccine equity and the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) paradigm demonstrated its desire to offer open-source, scalable solutions to global problems.
• Strategic Autonomy: India refuses to affiliate with any one bloc and insists on following its own independent course.
• Democratization of Institutions: India wants structural changes to boost the representation of developing countries in the UNSC and IMF.

India's application for a permanent seat on the UNSC is a reflection of its dedication to multilateralism and rising international prominence. Even though there are still obstacles to overcome, sustained diplomatic initiatives and outside assistance may open the door to a Security Council that is more inclusive and representative.