A prominent voice has added fuel to the ongoing debate regarding India’s claim for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Professor Kishore Mahbubani, a former Singaporean diplomat, has argued that India deserves this position, suggesting the United Kingdom should relinquish its permanent seat.
Mahbubani’s stance stems from his belief that India’s global influence has propelled it to become the third most powerful nation in the world, second only to the United States and China. He argues that the UK, despite its historical significance, has lost its ‘great’ status and has not actively used its veto power in the UNSC for decades. He believes this inaction signifies a shift in global power dynamics, making it logical for the UK to cede its seat to India.
Mahbubani’s perspective reflects a broader call for UNSC reform, with India at the forefront of the movement. India’s Ambassador Yojna Patel, Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, has echoed this call, advocating for a more decisive and transparent approach to UNSC reform. She emphasized the need for text-based negotiations to address long-standing issues and expressed appreciation for the efforts made by the co-chairs of the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) process.
Mahbubani’s statement, coupled with India’s ongoing diplomatic efforts, brings the debate on UNSC reform to the forefront of international discussion. The question of whether the UK will relinquish its permanent seat remains unanswered, but Mahbubani’s arguments highlight the growing support for India’s claim and the need for a more representative global governance structure.
