Jaishankar on India’s permanent UNSC seat bid: ‘Have to keep exerting pressure’
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday stated that India is exerting pressure to get a permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
While interacting with intellectuals in Shimla, he stated, “Regarding UNSC’s permanent membership, our aim is to get it as soon as possible. But, this target won’t be achieved that soon. Because the permanent members still enjoy a lot of clout. Whether it’s the Ukraine or Gaza, they have dealings amongst themselves on issues that affect the whole world. So, they won’t want it (number of permanent members) to become six, seven or eight.”
“So, if we have to come, we will have to make everyone aware, putting pressure and persuading them, only then will we achieve our target,” he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI in its report.
Jaishankar recalled that India had an opportunity to get a permanent membership at UNSC, however, it let go of the chance.
“50 years ago, we had the opportunity, but the then-government didn’t accept it. They didn’t think the matter is of that priority. But, today, I think the situation is favourable for usâæ If you ask developed countries, they consider India as a very reliable partner,” he said.
He further highlighted that no elections are conducted at the United Nations regarding the selection of permanent members of the UNSC.
“Today we are having elections here, but they have blocked the elections in the UN. If the polls don’t happen, how will it be decided? Their intention is to keep it blocked, and our intention is to keep exerting pressureâæ Today, we are number one in terms of population, fifth in terms of economy and will become third,” he added.
INDIA NEEDS STRONG LEADERSHIP AMID ONGOING CONFLICTS: JAISHANKAR
India needs a strong leader and a stable government amidst ongoing global conflicts, stated External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
He highlighted the tensions in the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Gaza-Iran conflicts, emphasising the necessity for India to convey its strong leadership amid such circumstances.
“The world is in a tense situation and the ongoing conflicts would not end so quickly and that’s why India needs a stable government, a strong and powerful leader with networking, standing and respect,” he was quoted by news agency PTI in its report.
“If your family was in Ukraine during the Russia-Ukraine war, who would you want at the top of the nation – Prime Minister Narendra Modi or some other face,” Jaishankar asked.
“I see four-five years of difficult times ahead and the electorates should wisely vote as similar conflicts could happen on our borders,” he told the media persons.
(With inputs from agencies)
