FRANCE-INDIA: French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed strong support for India's bid to secure a permanent seat in a reformed United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Macron highlighted the necessity of expanding this key UN body, stating, “We have a Security Council that is blocked… Let’s make the UN more efficient and representative.” He called for the inclusion of Germany, Japan, India, and Brazil as permanent members, along with two African nations to represent the continent.
India has long advocated for reforming the UNSC, arguing that it deserves a permanent seat. The country believes the current structure of the 15-member council, established in 1945, no longer reflects the geopolitical realities of the 21st century.
At present, the UNSC comprises five permanent members—Russia, the UK, China, France, and the United States—each holding veto power over significant resolutions. Additionally, there are ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the UN General Assembly. India last occupied a non-permanent seat from 2021 to 2022, and there is growing agreement on the need to expand the number of permanent members to better represent global dynamics.
In his address, Macron also advocated for reforms in how the UNSC operates, suggesting limitations on veto rights in cases of mass atrocities and emphasizing the need for improved operational decisions crucial for maintaining international peace. He remarked, “The time has come to regain efficiency in order to act better on the ground.”
Macron’s remarks followed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address at the 'Summit of the Future,' where he underscored the importance of reforms in international institutions for global peace and development. Modi asserted that such changes are vital for maintaining relevance in today's world.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres echoed these views, cautioning that the UNSC is increasingly perceived as outdated, which undermines its authority. He emphasized that without reforms in its structure and operations, the UNSC risks losing all credibility. Guterres stated, “We can’t build a future for our grandchildren with a system built for our grandparents,” highlighting the urgent need for change within the Council.
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