Emmanuel Macron Voices Strong Support for India's Bid for Permanent UN Security Council Seat
In a significant development at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, French President Emmanuel Macron has reiterated France's strong support for India's inclusion as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Macron's Address at the UNGA
During his address at the UNGA, President Macron emphasized the need for reforms within the UN to make it more effective and representative. He highlighted the current inefficiencies of the Security Council, stating, "As long as we have a Security Council that is blocked reciprocally, I would say, according to each one's respective interests, it will be difficult to move forward. Is there a better system? I don't think so.".
Macron advocated for the expansion of the Security Council, suggesting that Germany, Japan, India, and Brazil should become permanent members, along with two countries designated by Africa to represent the continent. This proposal is aimed at making the UN more representative and effective in addressing contemporary global challenges.
International Consensus on UNSC Reform
Macron's support is part of a growing international consensus on the need for UNSC reforms. Recently, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also voiced his support for India's bid for a permanent seat, echoing Macron's call for a more representative Security Council. Starmer stated, "The Security Council has to change to become a more representative body, willing to act – not paralysed by politics.".
US President Joe Biden has also backed India's bid for a permanent seat during his recent bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This collective support from major world leaders underscores the urgency of reforming the UNSC to reflect the current geopolitical landscape.
India's Long-Standing Quest
India has been at the forefront of efforts to push for urgent reforms of the Security Council, arguing that the 15-nation council established in 1945 is outdated and does not reflect contemporary geopolitical realities. India last served as a non-permanent member of the UNSC from 2021 to 2022 and has consistently advocated for its inclusion as a permanent member to better represent the interests of the developing world.
UN Secretary-General's Warning
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also warned that the current composition and working methods of the UNSC are eroding its authority, and unless reformed, the council will eventually lose all credibility. Guterres emphasized, "We can’t build a future for our grandchildren with a system built for our grandparents.".
Broader Reforms Advocated
Macron's address also touched on the need for broader reforms within the UNSC, including changes in working methods, limitations on the right of veto in cases of mass crimes, and a focus on operational decisions necessary for maintaining international peace and security. These proposals are designed to enhance the council's efficiency and effectiveness in addressing global crises.
In conclusion, the support from President Macron, along with endorsements from other global leaders, marks a significant boost to India's bid for a permanent seat at the UNSC. This collective push for reform highlights the critical need to make the UN more representative and effective in the 21st century.