External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Tuesday expressed confidence about India gaining permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). While addressing a gathering in Gujarat, the EAM stressed on the need for heightened efforts to secure the spot.
China, France, Russia, the UK and the US are the five nations enjoying permanent membership in the UNSC. India's bid for a permanent seat was acknowledged by the rest of the members.
The United Nations was formed around 80 years ago, and these five nations decided among themselves to become permanent members of its security council, Jaishankar said.
"But these five nations have kept their control, and it is strange that you have to ask them to give us their consent for a change. A few agree, a few others put forward their position with honesty, while others do something from behind," he said.
Signalling the progress, Jaishankar spoke about the collaborative proposals submitted to the UN involving Japan, Germany and Egypt.
EAM also added that there is a general feeling across the world wanting a change in the existing scenario and India getting a permanent seat. “We will definitely get it. But nothing big is ever achieved without hard work...we will have to work hard, and this time we will have to work even harder,” he said.
Amid the Middle East conflict and the Ukraine war, Jaishankar pointed out that there is a feeling in the world that the UN has weakened.
"There was a deadlock in the UN on the Ukraine war and no consensus was reached in the UN regarding Gaza. I think as this feeling increases, our chances of getting a permanent seat will increase," he added.
Jaishankar said India has proved in the last 10 years that democracy can deliver. Despite the Covid-19 pandemic challenges, India is moving towards a 7 per cent growth.
"The world believes that India as the fastest growing large economy can become the engine of global growth," he said, adding the technological talent of the country has been recognised globally.
UN understands India's achievements in social sectors as well, he said.
"We should understand that being the fifth largest economy, on the way to becoming the third largest and with the biggest population, the world believes us to be talented people and expects us to contribute to resolve challenges," he added.
