Bhutan has openly supported India’s quest for permanent membership in a reformed United Nations Security Council (UNSC), as articulated by Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay at the 79th UN General Assembly. He advocates for India owing to its significant economic progress and leadership within the Global South while also supporting Japan’s candidacy. Tobgay highlights Bhutan’s recent graduation from the Least Developed Countries category and stresses the necessity of reform in the UNSC to reflect current geopolitical realities, underscoring the importance of collaboration and support from global partners, especially India.
In a significant development at the United Nations, Bhutan has extended its firm backing for India’s ambition to secure a permanent seat in a reformed United Nations Security Council (UNSC). This endorsement was articulated by Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay during a high-level address at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly. He emphasized that India, as a country marked by substantial economic growth and its role as a leader of the Global South, is well-deserving of this distinction. Prime Minister Tobgay expressed profound appreciation for India’s unwavering support in Bhutan’s evolution from a Least Developed Country (LDC), reflecting on the importance of India’s friendship throughout this transformative journey. He articulated a pressing need for the Security Council to mirror contemporary geopolitical dynamics, denouncing its current configuration as an antiqued structure: “The Security Council, as it stands, is a relic of the past.” In addition to endorsing India’s candidacy, Prime Minister Tobgay also advocated for Japan, highlighting its contributions as a significant donor and peacebuilder, to join the UNSC as a permanent member. He drew attention to Bhutan’s recent achievement of graduating from the LDC category, noting that this advancement was a compelling testament to hard work and collaboration with global partners, particularly India. Furthermore, he highlighted the global challenge of a limited number of nations successfully graduating from the LDC category over the past five decades, urging the international community to bolster efforts aimed at empowering all LDCs to achieve graduation. He underscored the necessity of addressing poverty, inequality, and vulnerability to ensure no nation is left behind, reinforcing the importance of the Pact for the Future adopted by UN Member States at the Summit of the Future. This support for India from Bhutan enriches the discourse on the forthcoming changes to the UNSC and underscores the essential roles played by both nations in promoting a more inclusive and representative global governance structure.
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has long been criticized for its structure, which many contend does not adequately represent the current geopolitical realities of the international community. Calls for reform have gained traction, particularly with emerging powers such as India seeking a more prominent role. India’s growth as a major global economy and its leadership in various international fora, especially in representing developing nations, positions it as a strong candidate for permanent membership. Furthermore, Bhutan, as a smaller nation with intimate ties to India, highlights the interdependence and mutual support that characterizes their relationship. The recent discussions at the General Assembly are part of a broader movement advocating for a Security Council that is reflective of today’s world.
In conclusion, Bhutan’s endorsement of India’s bid for permanent membership in a reformed UNSC signifies a pivotal moment in international relations, reinforcing the calls for a more representative and effective global governance body. The advocacy for both India and Japan illustrates the broader need for reform within the UNSC, where the voices of emerging powers and developing nations must be amplified. The journey of Bhutan from an LDC to greater self-reliance further exemplifies the potential for national progress when supported by strong partnerships, particularly with India. The sentiments expressed at the UN General Assembly echo a collective aspiration for an equitable global landscape that addresses the pressing challenges faced by vulnerable nations.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
