UN Security Council ‘must be expanded with the inclusion of India, Brazil’
Former Belgian Prime Minister Yveus Leterme has strongly advocated for the permanent inclusion of India in the UNSC, asserting that such a move will enhance the council’s legitimacy and representation.
Mr. Leterme contended that there is a need for the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to adapt to the realities of the 21st century as it requires representation that goes beyond the structures established in the 20th century.
Lauding the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for elevating India’s geopolitical stature, Mr. Leterme said the country has earned the right to a more robust position in the multilateral arena.
In an interview with PTI, Mr. Leterme applauded the new connectivity initiative, the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), emphasizing its complementary nature to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
He said, “It complements and completes the one designed by the Chinese.” Reflecting on the geopolitical aftermath of the Ukraine-Russian conflict, Leterme advocated for a more equitable distribution of roles in multilateral institutions, particularly urging greater participation from countries such as India, Brazil, and African nations.
Mr. Leterme emphasized the need for a reset in multilateral institutions, suggesting a rebalancing to address the evolving global power dynamics.
He said: “We are all preaching for a better distribution of roles. Our multilateral institutions have served us very well after the Second World War. But there is a need to reset and, by reset, I mean we need to rebalance, to make changes in the balance of power.”
Mr. Leterme insisted they are entitled to significant roles in the multilateral framework regarding rising nations like India, some African countries, and Brazil.
Highlighting the imperative for India to have a more prominent role in multilateralism, Leterme argued, “The legitimacy of the work done by the (UN) Security Council would be enhanced if the P5 is enhanced with India and Brazil, making it more representative. You cannot tackle 21st-century problems with 20th-century setups and solutions.”
He expressed his support for India’s bid for permanent UNSC membership. Mr. Leterme said, “The UN Security Council needs to be restructured so that India, Brazil, and some other rising nations have a say and have the right to influence decision-making.” India, a strong contender for permanent UNSC membership, has expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of progress in Security Council reform discussions. The UNSC comprises five permanent members and ten non-permanent members, elected for two years by the UN General Assembly.
The five permanent members are Russia, the UK, China, France, and the US, and these countries can veto any substantive resolution.