US responds to Elon Musk's endorsement of India's bid for permanent UNSC seat
PTC News Desk: The United States has voiced its support for reforms within the United Nations, including the pivotal United Nations Security Council (UNSC), as stated by US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson, Vedant Patel, during a press briefing on Wednesday.
Responding to Tesla CEO Elon Musk's recent remarks regarding India's absence from the UNSC's permanent membership, Patel remarked, "The President has addressed this issue previously in his speeches to the UN General Assembly, and the Secretary has also touched upon it. We unequivocally support reforms within the UN framework, including the Security Council, to ensure its alignment with the realities of the 21st-century global landscape. While I cannot provide specifics on the measures proposed, we acknowledge the imperative for reform. However, I will refrain from elaborating further at this time."
Musk had criticised the exclusion of India from the UNSC's permanent membership in January, labeling it as 'absurd' and attributing it to powerful nations reluctant to cede authority. He advocated for a restructuring of UN bodies, emphasising the necessity for equitable representation.
Musk stated, "There comes a time when the UN bodies require revision. The dilemma lies in the reluctance of powerful entities to relinquish control. India's exclusion from the Security Council's permanent roster, despite being the world's most populous nation, is illogical. In my opinion, Africa should also collectively possess a permanent seat."
India has long campaigned for a permanent seat on the Security Council to amplify the voice of the developing world. The nation's pursuit has garnered support from the international community. The UNSC comprises 15 member states, including five permanent members with veto powers and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.
Prior to the Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) vowed to advocate for India's permanent membership in the UN Security Council in its election manifesto titled 'Sankalp Patra'.
Released on April 14, the BJP manifesto affirmed, "We are committed to pursuing permanent membership in the UN Security Council to enhance India's role in global decision-making."
In January, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar underscored the mounting global backing for India's permanent UNSC membership, emphasizing the necessity for proactive pursuit. Jaishankar remarked, "Each passing year strengthens the sentiment worldwide in favor of India's inclusion, and I sense that support... The world does not readily bestow privileges; sometimes one must seize them." He made these observations during the 'Manthan' Townhall meeting in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
- With inputs from agencies
