Page 570 - SSB Interview: The Complete Guide, Second Edition

sanctions. If these methods prove inadequate, the UN Charter allows the
Security Council to take military action against the offending country.

India’s position in UNSC over the years

The UN Security Council, with its exceptional role in preserving international
peace and security, has always been of significance for India since its

founding years. India has been elected for seven terms for a two-year non-
permanent member seat, the last being in 2011–12. The typical Indian
preferences in the UNSC have always been to be a part of the democratic

majority contributing to the adoption of broadly acceptable resolutions and
decisions.

Significantly, on not more than a dozen occasions did India stand aside

without joining the concurrent majority, and has not voted against any
resolution, and resorted to abstentions only to express its reservations.
Remarkably, India was never a loner in abstaining as it always had the

company of other council members on many occasions. The Indian behaviour
herein clearly points to a systematic effort to display a constructive, rule of
law-abiding and a democratic majority building state in a global, multilateral

setting like the Security Council.

Reforms in UN Security Council

Why are the reforms needed?

There is a sharp contrast between the number of seats and the total
number of member states.

Reform is needed to remove the Democracy Deficit.

It has failed to tackle the recent crisis of Syria, Gaza and Ukraine.

Need to make it an efficient, effective, credible and legitimate body.

The key areas of reform: