In News:

With its significant economic growth and leadership of the Global South, India deserves a permanent seat at the UN Security Council, says Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.

Key Highlights:

• Economic Growth: Highlights India’s significant economic growth and its leadership in the Global South as justifications for this status.
• International Backing: India’s bid gains momentum with support from several UN Member States, including France, the UK, and the U.S.
• Need for Reform: Bhutan emphasized that the UNSC is outdated and must evolve to reflect contemporary geopolitical and economic realities.
• Advocacy for Representation: Bhutan has long called for a more representative and effective Security Council, backing India’s inclusion at the high table.

About UN Security Council (UNSC)

• Composition: Total of 15 member states.
  • 5 permanent members (P5): China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States (with veto rights).
  • 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.
• Election of Non-Permanent Members:
  • Elected on a regional basis:
    • 5 seats for African and Asian states.
    • 2 seats for Latin American and Caribbean states.
    • 1 seat for Eastern European states.
    • 2 seats for Western European and other states.
• Presidency:
  • Rotates monthly among members, following the English alphabetical order of country names.
• Primary Functions:
  • Maintain international peace and security.
  • Investigate and resolve disputes.
  • Impose sanctions and authorize the use of force.
  • Establish peacekeeping missions.
  • Make recommendations to member states.
• Meeting Schedule:
  • Regular meetings at UN headquarters in New York.
  • Can convene at any time in response to emergencies.
• Decision-Making:
  • Requires affirmative votes from at least 9 of the 15 members.
  • Any of the P5 can veto resolutions, raising concerns about the Council's effectiveness.
• Subsidiary Bodies:
  • Includes committees, working groups, and sanctions committees focused on specific issues like counter-terrorism, nuclear non-proliferation, and peacekeeping operations.
• Reforming the UN Security Council (UNSC)
  • Charter Amendments:
    • Reforming the UNSC requires amendments to the UN Charter.
  • Voting Requirements:
    • An amendment must be adopted by a two-thirds majority of the General Assembly.
    • It must also be ratified by two-thirds of UN member states, including all permanent members of the UNSC.