'Most Populous Country, World's Largest Democracy': PM Narendra Modi Pitches For Permanent Membership Of UN Security Council

In a strong pitch for India's membership at the United Nations Security Council, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked how the UNSC can claim to speak for the world when "its most populous country, and its largest democracy" is not a permanent member.

"Its skewed membership leads to opaque decision making processes, which adds to its helplessness in addressing the challenges of today. I think most countries are clear on what changes they would like to see in the UN Security Council, including on the role India should play," he said in an exclusive interview with French publication Les Echos, adding that French President Emmanuel Macron shared his view.

Emphasising on India's role as a bridge between the Global South and the west, Modi said, "The rights of the Global South have been long denied. As a result, there is a feeling of anguish among the members of Global South, that they are forced into undertaking action but when it comes to decision making they don't find a place or voice for themselves. The true spirit of democracy has not been respected vis-a-vis the Global South."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an interview with French newspaper Les Echos, says, "I see India being that strong shoulder that if Global South has to make that high jump, India can be that shoulder to propel it ahead. For the Global South, India can also build its linkages… pic.twitter.com/uvDlXZfLlB
— ANI (@ANI) July 13, 2023

India's pitch for UNSC membership

Earlier, American President Joe Biden reiterated US support for India's permanent membership in the reformed United Nations Security Council.

A joint statement released by India and US reads, "Both sides remain committed to a comprehensive UN reform agenda, including through expansion in permanent and non-permanent categories of membership of the UN Security Council."

"Sharing the view that global governance must be more inclusive and representative, President Biden reiterated US support for India's permanent membership on a reformed UN Security Council(UNSC)," the joint statement read.

UK too has supported India's bid for permanent membership of the powerful Security Council. “I have five transnational priorities. First, reform of the United Nations Security Council. We want to see permanent African representation and membership extended to India, Brazil, Germany and Japan,” U.K. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly had said.

The Council currently is composed of five permanent members — China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US and 10 elected non-permanent members who serve two-year terms. India completed its tenure as a non-permanent member of the Council in December last year.