Rise Of The Indian Tiger
0Monday, November 28, 2011 by Sanket Chaukiyal
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| Image Source: OpenCage |
In order to justify India’s
inclusion or exclusion from the United Nations Security Council, we must first
understand the significance of the United Nations Security Council.
“The
United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the principal organs of the
United Nations and is charged with the maintenance of international peace and
security. Its powers, outlined in the United Nations Charter, include the
establishment of peacekeeping operations, the establishment of international
sanctions, and the authorization of military action. Its powers are exercised
through United Nations Security Council resolutions.”
-WIKIPEDIA
As we can see, the UNSC is the body of the UN which
deals with peace and security. Members of the UNSC can wield a lot of influence
over world events and also gain significance as a strong world power. However,
to be a member of the UNSC, a country must fulfill certain important criteria
like being a strong soft & hard power, representing a large population,
being a democracy, not breaking international laws, etc.
ECONOMIC STRENGTH
India is today one of world's fastest growing
economies. According to International Monetary Fund data, India ranks tenth in
the world in terms of the size of the nominal GDP which stands at $1.53
trillion and the fourth largest in terms of purchasing power parity which
stands at $4.06 trillion. Likely to become the world’s fastest growing economy
by 2012, India’s average GDP growth stood at 8.4 per cent from 2004-2010 and
hence has the potential to become the world’s third largest economy by 2030. India’s
foreign reserves are the 7th largest in the world standing at
$310billlion.
Hence, on the basis of its economic strength, India
has a strong reason to be in the UNSC permanent members list, as such a fast
growing economy has potential to influence world events and there is in a position
to make decisions.
MILITARY STRENGTH
India is one of the few countries that possess nuclear
weapons, which are the ultimate deterrent. Without a doubt, military might is a
factor which enables a nation to keep the balance of peace in the world and
India knows this and has built a strong defense system. After the People’s
Liberation Army and the US Armed Forces, the Indian Armed Forces boats of the
third largest active force with around 1.32 million soldiers in the active army
and a reserve force of around 2.14 million ( a 2006 statistic). The Indian
Armed forces are undergoing rapid modernization and expansion and plans are
afoot to have an active military space program. Indian is also under process of
developing an indigenous missile shield program.
Most importantly, India is a responsible nuclear power
and has adhered to non proliferation as a part of its principle and not by
force which shows great character and responsibility of a nation which posses
such destructive power.
LARGEST
DEMOCRACY & POPULATION.
Second
largest population according to the latest census (17% Indians in world population).
India is the most populated democracy in the world. It is a multi party
republic with six national parties and 40 regional parties.
India is a great example to
the world on how democracy can be implemented across such a vast and populated
nation with such diversity of religion, culture and ethnicity. India can help
the third world countries in implementing democracy and bringing up the
condition of the citizens.
Therefore,
it is illogical to exclude a country which constitutes a major portion of the
world’s population and is also the world’s largest democracy from a seat in the
UNSC.
CONCLUSION
India has more than proven
itself in the spheres of economy, military might, non-proliferation,
technology, leadership, democracy, responsibility, etc. It is time that the UNSC
expanded the permanent members and reflected the changing world power scenario
where newer players are becoming stronger and will soon result in a new multi-polar
world order. India undoubtedly deserves a seat in the UNSC and this sentiment
is echoed by other friendly countries. The age of the Indian Tiger has arrived.
Category Global Organisations, India, Super Power, United Nations Security Council (UNSC), UNSC member India
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