Macron Backs India’s Bid for Permanent Seat on Reformed UN Security Council

French President Emmanuel Macron has thrown his weight behind India’s push for a permanent position in a reformed United Nations Security Council (UNSC). In addition to India, Macron also endorsed Germany, Japan, Brazil, and two African nations for permanent membership.

“Germany, Japan, India, and Brazil should be permanent members, as well as two countries that Africa would designate to represent it. New elected members should also be admitted,” Macron stated. He was speaking at the general debate of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York early Thursday morning, according to India’s time zone.

Macron’s address highlighted his strong stance on the need for reform within the UN system, particularly concerning the Security Council. His reasoning centered around making the council more effective and more representative of the global landscape.

“The United Nations should not be discarded, but rather reformed to reflect today’s realities,” he emphasized. Macron pointed out that the existing structure of the Security Council, often gridlocked by competing interests of its members, was no longer fit for purpose.

“Is there a better system? I don’t think so. So let’s just make these United Nations more effective, first by perhaps making them more representative. That is why France, and I repeat here, is in favour of the Security Council being expanded,” Macron explained.

He expanded on the idea by expressing hope that a reformed Security Council would lead to changes in its working methods. These changes, he suggested, could include limitations on the use of veto power in cases of mass atrocities and ensuring that the council’s decisions are focused on maintaining global peace and security.

Macron’s vision for a reformed council also touches on the need for more operational decision-making processes, which he believes are essential for the council to effectively fulfill its mandate in today’s world. “This is what we must have the courage and audacity to do, and that we must carry forward with the current permanent members,” he urged.

India’s bid for a permanent seat has garnered significant international support over recent years. Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font joined Macron in advocating for India’s inclusion, proposing a concrete timeline for reform. He suggested aligning the restructuring of the UNSC with the 80th anniversary of the UN, signaling the urgency of addressing the council’s outdated structure.

US President Joe Biden is another notable leader who has voiced strong support for India’s candidacy. During his recent bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Biden reiterated the United States’ full backing of India’s bid for a permanent seat in the Security Council. The Biden administration views India as a key player in the international system and has frequently mentioned its support for India’s increased role in global governance.

Russia, a long-time ally of India, has also continued to endorse India’s aspirations. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, during the ongoing UN General Assembly discussions, reiterated Moscow’s stance. He emphasized the need for greater representation of developing countries on the council, which includes countries like India, as crucial to making the UN body more equitable and effective.

The growing international consensus on the need for reform has been driven by calls for the Security Council to better reflect the contemporary global order. The current structure, which grants permanent seats to five countries – the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China – reflects a post-World War II reality that many argue is no longer representative of today’s geopolitical dynamics.

Countries like India, which has the world’s largest population and is one of the fastest-growing major economies, have repeatedly highlighted that the UNSC’s composition is outdated. India’s leaders argue that without more inclusivity and representation, the council risks losing legitimacy in the eyes of the international community.

Biden’s administration, along with other major world powers, appears to agree with the need for a more inclusive council. In his speech, Macron echoed this sentiment, stating that reforming the Security Council would be a necessary step toward making the UN more effective in its mission to maintain international peace and security.

While Macron’s support adds significant weight to India’s candidacy, the path to reforming the UNSC is far from straightforward. Changing the structure of the council would require the agreement of two-thirds of the UN member states, including the current five permanent members. Any one of these five, including China, could veto any proposal for reform. China has historically been less enthusiastic about expanding the council, particularly in ways that might reduce its own influence.

Despite these challenges, the momentum for change appears to be growing. With France, the US, and Russia all backing India’s inclusion, along with Germany, Japan, and Brazil, the push for reform is entering a critical phase. Macron’s call to limit veto powers in cases of mass atrocities may resonate with some current permanent members, who have been criticized for their use of vetoes in situations like the Syrian civil war, where humanitarian crises unfolded while the Security Council remained deadlocked.

As the UN approaches its 80th anniversary, there is increasing pressure from many corners of the world to make the body more representative of the current global power balance. Macron’s call to action reflects a widespread desire for the UN to evolve in order to stay relevant in addressing today’s challenges.

The UNSC, established in 1945, was designed to maintain international peace and security, but critics argue that it has become ineffective due to the competing interests of its permanent members. Calls for reform have grown louder as the world faces new global threats, including climate change, terrorism, and cyber warfare, which require coordinated international responses.

India, a country with significant geopolitical influence, has positioned itself as a strong candidate for permanent membership. Its participation in peacekeeping missions, commitment to multilateralism, and growing economic power make it an appealing choice for those advocating for a more balanced global governance system.

The reform of the UNSC remains a complex and politically charged issue, but the increasing chorus of world leaders advocating for change could signal a shift in the international community’s approach to global governance. The next few years may see renewed efforts to bring the Security Council in line with modern realities, potentially ushering in a new era of international cooperation.

Macron’s endorsement of India, along with the backing of several other key global leaders, marks a significant step toward the long-discussed reforms of the UN Security Council. However, the road ahead will likely be fraught with diplomatic negotiations, as the current permanent members weigh their interests against the growing calls for a more inclusive and representative council.