New Delhi: As India is trying to secure a long-term seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Pakistan and China have expressed their wish against the demand. Pakistan supported Africa’s demand for a long-term seat at the UNSC but reportedly opposed the same for India.
Showing no sign of supporting India’s demand, on the other hand, India’s hostile neighbour, China in a veiled criticism of India and the G4 said that few countries and Interest groups focus on individual interests rather than council reform.
Munir Akram, the permanent representative of Pakistan, also a member of Uniting for Consensus (UFC), a coalition of nations opposing the expansion of permanent seats, reportedly remained silent on India’s demand, showing diplomatic opposition to India’s interest but expressed his support to Africa saying that Africa’s demand can be considered a special case. The call to treat Africa’s case as a “special case” has raised questions about the broader reform process.
Opposing India’s demand in the council, China’s Permanent Representative Fu Cong criticised India and the G4, mentioning that there were “a few countries and interest groups who pursue their own selfish and small-circle interests when it comes to Council reform”.
Africa, home to over 1.3 billion people and 28% of the UN’s membership, also remains without permanent representation. This disparity in the council has fueled a growing call for reform, with Sierra Leone, holding the rotating presidency of the Council, spearheading the charge for change.
India, a vocal advocate for a reformed UN Security Council, stands in solidarity with Africa’s demands. India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj, affirmed the G-4’s commitment to supporting Africa’s “legitimate demands” and pledged to ensure Africa’s “rightful place” in a reformed multilateral system. The G-4, comprising India, Brazil, Germany and Japan, has been a driving force behind expanding the Council and sees Africa’s inclusion as crucial to achieving that goal. The upcoming Summit of the Future in September and the UN’s 80th anniversary next year mark critical milestones for the UN.