I also had the privilege of casting the vote on the Cuba proposal on India’s behalf. Only when the UN agrees to the implementation of the proposed reform measures will the Security Council be expanded. Now India wants the same power and privilege for herself. Compared to this India’s contribution to the UN is a joke. Apart from its annual contribution, America also provides Rs 18,000 crore towards the UN’s peacekeeping and security missions. If there is one Hingess Toilet Seats Manufacturer country which is vociferously campaigning against India’s claim for a permanent seat it is Pakistan, and Pakistan is doing it through China. For example, whenever there has been any proposal against India in the Security Council, Russia has prevented its passage by exercising its veto. The other permanent members, China, Germany, UK and France contribute $265 million (12. Unless India proves that she is moving to become a developed country, nobody will take her with the seriousness that the five powerful countries command. It is up to the wisdom of our leaders to understand how important our demand for a permanent Security Council seat in the UN is and how to make our bid compelling. I participated in meetings of all of its six committees and also had the opportunity to address the UN General Assembly in its main Assembly building.The argument the Indian government is putting forth for a permanent seat in the UNSC is that India is a large, global economy that’s quickly moving from a developing to a developed one.6 per cent) and $106 million (5 per cent) respectively.
Permanent membership has its own significance as it comes with veto power — a country having permanent UNSC membership can exercise veto against any proposal.India’s campaign for permanent UNSC membership was initiated by Rajiv Gandhi and taken forward by Narasimha Rao, Atal Behari Vajpayee, Dr Manmohan Singh and now Mr Modi. India’s economic contribution to the UN is meager, but its remittance from the UN for participation in peacekeeping missions is massive.5 per cent), $170 million (8 per cent), $140 million (6. There is not an iota of doubt that India deserves a permanent membership in the UNSC, but at the same time we need to introspect on our domestic issues and our weaknesses. Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced financial assistance of $1 billion (Rs 6,500 crore) to African countries. America contributes more than $500 million to the UN, accounting for 22 per cent of the UN’s total budget. Sushma Swaraj, our Union minister for external affairs, is of the considered opinion that the environment is favourable for UN reforms and, as soon as the reforms proposal is passed, the Security Council will be expanded to include more members.” Many times, our permanent representative has recommended that India contribute at least $20 million, if not $50 million, but we are not acceding to such recommendations. Article 17 of the UN Charter states that the “expenses of the Organisation shall be borne by the Members as apportioned by the General Assembly.I felt depressed by such remarks and immediately gathered facts. Taking this opportunity, I discussed India’s interest for permanent membership in the UNSC. Consequent to this, India will fight for a permanent seat in the Security Council and Ms Swaraj has assured the country that India’s victory is certain given the strong support its bid has from various countries.The writer is a Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha and former Union Minister. As part of an Indian delegation, I’ve been to the UN on a 15-day tour. India’s contribution, Rs 73 crore, is half a per cent of the UN budget, and against this it gets nearly Rs 600 crore from the UN for peacekeeping activities.
