UNSC Members
Context: India has launched a multi-party diplomatic campaign to garner global support against terrorism originating from Pakistan, engaging both current and incoming UN Security Council members to strengthen international consensus and counter Pakistan's influence within the Council.
Important Pointers:
UNSC Composition: Comprises 15 members — 5 permanent and 10 non-permanent elected for two-year terms.
Permanent Members (P5): China, France, Russia, the UK, and the USA hold veto power.
Non-Permanent Members (Term ends 2025): Algeria, Guyana, Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia.
Non-Permanent Members (Term ends 2026): Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, Somalia.
Incoming Members (2026–27): Latvia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Bahrain, Liberia, Colombia.
Voting Rights: Each member has one vote; substantive decisions need 9 votes, including no veto from P5.
Non-Council UN Members' Participation: May join UNSC discussions (without vote) if their interests are affected.
Non-UN States’ Participation: Can be invited to UNSC discussions if party to a dispute, without voting rights.
India’s UNSC Outreach (2025–26): Aims to diplomatically counter Pakistan by engaging current and incoming UNSC members.
UNSC Role: Maintains international peace and security, imposes sanctions, and authorizes military actions.
India’s Broader Outreach: Includes G7 (excluding China), West Asian OIC states, ASEAN nations, BRICS, and AU members.
UNSC Headquarters: Located at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.
UN Charter Binding Nature: All UN member states must comply with UNSC decisions under the UN Charter.
Pahalgam Attack UNSC Reaction: Condemned strongly, but the naming of the Resistance Front was blocked by China and Pakistan.
UNSC Membership Gap: Over 50 UN member states have never been elected to the UNSC.