India wants permanent membership of UN Security Council. Some argue the Security Council reflects the reality of 1945 and it should reflect the reality of 2010. In 1971 Taiwan (Republic of China) was expelled from UN and its seat went to China (People’s Republic of China). In 1991 USSR disintegrated and its seat went to Russia. So the UN Security Council reflects the reality of 1991. In 1945 India was a colony. In 1991 Indian economy was in bad shape. Reality of 2010 means France and UK should not be members of Security Council but nobody is saying that. In 2003 France opposed invasion of Iraq and some Americans wanted France’s seat to go to India.
In 2010 India is a major contender for permanent membership of UN Security Council. Other major contenders are Germany, Japan and Brazil. France, Russia and UK support India. USA says the issue is complicated. China claims Arunachal Pradesh and some other parts of India as its territory.
Italy opposes Germany. Japan has territorial disputes with China and Russia. USA supports Japan. USA will not support Brazil. India alone can not become a member of Security Council. Nigeria and South Africa want to represent Africa in Security Council. All claims are to be considered and China, France, Russia, UK and USA have to agree on new members. That is unlikely for a long time to come.
Barack Obama wants to see India as a member of reformed Security Council. He also wants India to assume greater responsibility in matters of democracy and human rights. He mentioned Iran and Burma. India is a member of Security Council for 2011 and 2012. How India votes on Security Council resolutions will determine USA’s support to India.
India, Germany, Japan and Brazil can found an organization that will rival UN. They can be permanent members in the Security Council of the new organization.