French President Emmanuel Macron has thrown his weight behind India’s long-standing ambition to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Macron, speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, called for a significant overhaul of the UNSC, emphasizing the need for a more representative and efficient body.
He explicitly stated France’s support for expanding the council, advocating for the inclusion of Germany, Japan, India, and Brazil as permanent members, along with two additional nations to represent Africa. This move signals a potential shift in global power dynamics and underscores the growing international recognition of India’s role on the world stage.
The current UNSC structure, with its five permanent members (Russia, the UK, China, France, and the US) holding veto power, has faced criticism for being outdated and failing to reflect contemporary geopolitical realities. India, a vocal proponent of reform, argues that its size, economic clout, and commitment to global peace and security make it a deserving candidate for a permanent seat.
Beyond simply expanding the council, Macron also highlighted the need for a comprehensive reform of the UNSC’s working methods. He specifically advocated for limiting the veto power in cases of mass crimes, a proposal that could potentially enhance the UN’s ability to address humanitarian crises.
Macron’s call for reform echoes sentiments expressed by other world leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who stressed the importance of institutional reforms for global peace and development. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in his address to the ‘Summit of the Future,’ warned that the UNSC, in its current form, risks losing its credibility and effectiveness unless it undergoes significant changes.
The debate over UNSC reform is poised to intensify as the international community grapples with the challenges of a rapidly changing world. France’s backing of India’s bid, coupled with calls for broader changes to the council’s structure and operations, signals a growing momentum for a more inclusive and effective UNSC.
