Can India Become a Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council? Steps Taken and the Challenges Ahead

A very important part of the United Nations is the United Nations Security Council. There are a total of 15 member countries in the Security Council. There are five permanent members and 10 temporary members, temporary member countries are elected for two years. So far India has been a temporary member of the United Nations Security Council eight times. The five permanent members are America, France, Britain, China and Russia. This fifth permanent member has been there since the inception of the United Nations. This current system of the United Nations Security Council is prevalent according to the time of 1945. But in view of today's increasing global threat and multipolar system, how important is it for India to become a permanent member of the UNSC, let us know in detail - can India become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in the coming times? Or what steps will India have to take to become a permanent member?

India's UNSC permanent membership: Not just a demand but a right 

India is a peace-loving nuclear power that has never violated international rules. India is the largest democratic country in the world. Today India is the country with the fourth largest economic economy in the world. India is a member country of the United Nations for 75 years. India has always been at the forefront in United Nations peace missions. More than 2 lakh Indian soldiers are working in United Nations peace missions which is the highest in the world. Apart from this India does not have any other controversial record. In the coming times, India is emerging as a superpower. Today India's voice is loud. Its global policy is independent.

G4 Nations and India's power

To get permanent membership of UNSC, India, Brazil, Germany and Japan have together formed G4 group. This group proposes that the United Nations Security Council should be expanded and new permanent members should be added. Initially, the new members should not get VETO (for 15 years) so that there is a greater space among the new member countries. India's practical approach shows that India does not want conflict with any country in the world but wants balanced reforms.

Steps taken by India so far :  India has taken several steps to get permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council. 

1. India has formed G4 along with Brazil, Germany and Japan. 

2. India has sent more than 2 lakh soldiers in those peaceful missions which is the highest in the world. 

3. India has also been a temporary member of the United Nations Security Council eight times. 

4. Apart from this, India does not have any controversial record in the United Nations.

Reasons for India not getting veto power till now : The main reasons for India not getting veto power till now are as follows. 

1. When the United Nations was established in 1945, the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council were given veto power. This power was given only to the countries that won the Second World War, which included America, France, Britain, Russia and China. But India was under the British in 1945. India got independence in 1947. 2. To make changes in the veto system, the consent of the five permanent member countries is also necessary. Only then will the current charter of the United Nations be amended. All the countries are not unanimous on this. Nor can there be a consensus in the future. 3. Some countries like Pakistan, Italy, Argentina and many countries want that no new permanent member country should be formed nor should it get veto power.

Can India ever get veto power? 

Getting veto power for India and becoming a permanent member of the United Nations is a political and diplomatic struggle. Because all the countries are not unanimous on this issue, everyone has different opinions and views. To become a permanent member, India will have to play an active role in the world and keep making efforts. India is continuously working for this and has also received support from many countries. India is constantly demanding reforms in the United Nations. The demand for reforms in the nation is getting more louder than you. If there is reform in the United Nations in the future, then in the coming time India can become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and it can also get veto power.

 Conclusion

India's aspiration for permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council is not merely a diplomatic ambition — it is a rightful claim rooted in its global contributions, responsible conduct, and growing influence. As a rising power with a strong voice in international affairs, India continues to push for UNSC reforms through peaceful and consistent efforts. While the path to acquiring veto power remains complex and politically sensitive, the momentum for change is undeniable. With increasing support from major global players and a growing demand for a more representative UNSC, the day may not be far when India secures its well-deserved seat at the world's most powerful decision-making table.