New Delhi: Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel has expressed support for India’s efforts to secure a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Bettel said the Security Council needs major reforms so that it better represents the current global situation. He argued that the structure of the council should reflect the changing role of countries and the growing importance of nations such as India and Brazil.
Speaking during an interview, Bettel said India’s large population, growing economy and important role in international affairs make it a strong candidate for a permanent position on an expanded Security Council.
He also supported Brazil’s inclusion as another possible permanent member. According to Bettel, adding countries such as India and Brazil would make the council more representative of different regions and major emerging powers.
Call for Changes to Veto Power
Bettel also criticised the current veto system used by the permanent members of the Security Council. He described the system as a structure that dates back to the period following the Second World War.
The UNSC currently has 15 members, including five permanent members with veto power. These are the United States, Russia, China, France and the United Kingdom.
Under the current system, a permanent member can use its veto to stop a resolution even when most other members support it. Bettel questioned whether it is fair for one country to block a decision supported by a large majority of the international community.
He suggested that the veto system should be changed. One proposal he discussed was allowing a two-thirds majority of the Security Council to override a veto. Under such a system, at least 12 of the 15 members would need to support a decision for it to move forward despite a veto.
Bettel believes such a change could make the Security Council’s decision-making process more balanced and democratic.
Luxembourg Minister on Official Visit to India
Bettel is currently on a three-day official visit to India. During his visit, he is holding discussions with Indian officials on the reform of international institutions, bilateral relations and other areas of mutual interest.
India has been seeking permanent membership of the Security Council for many years. New Delhi has argued that the present structure does not properly represent the world’s population or the current balance of global power.
Support from countries such as Luxembourg could strengthen India’s wider campaign for reform of the United Nations. India has also received support from several other countries for its demand for a permanent seat.
UNSC reform, however, remains a complicated issue. Any major change to the council’s structure would require broad international agreement.
Bettel’s comments have once again brought attention to the debate over the future of the Security Council. His support for India’s permanent membership and his call to change the veto system reflect growing discussions about making the United Nations more representative and effective in dealing with modern global challenges.