India's Rightful Place on the UN Security Council: A Call for Reform by Former Singaporean Diplomat

In a rapidly changing global landscape, the call for reforming the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has grown louder, with India emerging as a strong contender for a permanent seat. This sentiment was powerfully echoed by former Singaporean diplomat, Professor Kishore Mahbubani, in a recent exclusive interview with NDTV. His remarks are not just a critique of the current global order but also a bold endorsement of India's growing influence on the world stage.

Professor Mahbubani, a distinguished academic and former ambassador to the UN, argued that India's ascent as a global power is undeniable. With its booming economy, strategic geographic location, and a population exceeding 1.4 billion, India stands as the world's most populous democracy and the third most powerful nation, following the United States and China. This makes India's exclusion from the UNSC's permanent membership increasingly untenable.

During the interview, Professor Mahbubani pointed out the diminishing global influence of the United Kingdom, one of the current permanent members of the UNSC. He argued that the UK, which no longer holds the status of a "great power" as it once did during the post-World War II era, should consider stepping aside to make room for India. This suggestion is grounded in the reality that the UK, despite holding veto power, often refrains from using it, likely due to concerns about international backlash and its reduced global clout.

The diplomat also touched on a broader issue—the need for comprehensive reforms within the United Nations itself. He recalled the original vision of the UN's founders, who sought to create an organization where all significant global powers had a stake in maintaining international peace and security. However, the world of 1945, when the UN was established, is vastly different from today's multipolar world. The UNSC, which includes the victors of World War II as its permanent members, does not reflect the current global power dynamics.

Professor Mahbubani's argument goes beyond just advocating for India's inclusion; he emphasizes that such a change would benefit the United Nations as a whole. The UN, he suggests, risks becoming irrelevant if it fails to adapt to the changing realities of global power. By including India as a permanent member, the UNSC would not only gain a vital new perspective but also reinforce its legitimacy and effectiveness.

Interestingly, Professor Mahbubani also proposed that the UK could find a new form of freedom in relinquishing its permanent seat. Free from the constraints of the UNSC, the UK might pursue a more independent and modern foreign policy, better suited to its current role on the global stage.

This interview comes at a time when the debate over UNSC reform is intensifying. India, along with other countries like Brazil, Germany, and Japan—often referred to as the G4 nations—has long advocated for an expanded Security Council that better reflects the realities of the 21st century. While achieving such reforms will undoubtedly be complex and politically challenging, the growing chorus of voices like Professor Mahbubani's adds significant weight to the argument for change.

In essence, Professor Mahbubani's comments are a stark reminder of the shifting tides in international relations. As India continues to rise as a global power, the calls for its inclusion as a permanent member of the UNSC will only grow louder. The question now is whether the current global order is ready to recognize and adapt to this new reality.