Elon Musk and the United Nations Security Council
– Photo: Social Media
Expansion
Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and head of companies like Tesla and SpaceX, has advocated India’s permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council. He has said that on some points there is a need to make changes in the United Nations, the world’s largest organization. He has said that being the country with the largest population, India should definitely get a place in the Security Council of the United Nations. It is absurd not to do so.
Musk advocates amendments to UN bodies
Elon Musk tweeted that at some point, there is a need for revision of the UN bodies. He said it was absurd for India not to have a permanent seat in the Security Council, despite being the most populous country in the world. He wrote that there should be a seat collectively for Africa also. At present only five countries are included as permanent members in the Security Council of the United Nations.
What is the United Nations Security Council?
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations (UN). It was established on 24 October 1945. It is responsible for ensuring international peace and security, recommending the admission of new members of the United Nations to the General Assembly, and approving any changes in the United Nations.
Talking about the structure of the Security Council, it has five permanent members – America, Britain, China, France and Russia. These are collectively known as P5. Any one of them can veto the proposal. There are also ten elected members of the council whose tenure is only two years. Elected members are not given veto power.
Why is India a big contender for a seat in the Security Council?
India is the most vocal among all the candidates seeking to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. India has today become a major global power centre. India’s membership claim is based on the facts that it is one of the founding members of the United Nations, the largest democracy, the second most populous country, and the fifth largest and fastest growing economy.
Also, India has been actively involving itself in all important forums related to climate change, Sustainable Development Goals and other UN summits. India also represents the interests of most of the underdeveloped and developing countries of the world. India is a country which adheres to the ideology of non-interference in the internal affairs of others.