Tech tycoon Elon Musk termed Indias exclusion from the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as a permanent member absurd, backing calls for reform of the influential body.Elon Musk hits out at UNSC on Indias absence as permanent memberIn a recent post on X, Elon Musk said the current UNSC structure does not adequately represent the worlds most populous nations like India. He joined the growing chorus for an overhaul of the councils membership.At some point, there needs to be a revision of the UN bodies.Problem is that those with excess power dont want to give it up.India not having a permanent seat on the Security Council, despite being the most populous country on Earth, is absurd.Africa collectively should…— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 21, 2024Why India is still non-permanent member of UNSC India has been a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for eight terms (16 years). The nation has long sought a permanent seat but has faced resistance, mainly from veto-wielding China. Still, Indias bid is backed by the US, France and other powers.Which countries are permanent members of UNSCThe UNSC currently has five permanent members - the US, UK, France, Russia, and China, known as P5. Unlike the non-permanent members elected for two-year terms, these countries wield veto power.Heres Indias stance on thisRecently, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar likened the UNSC to an old club unwilling to expand. He noted the growing support for Indias case as the UN resists much-needed reform.In September 2023, Jaishankar suggested people may look beyond the UN given its anachronistic structure. Using a bus analogy, he criticized the UNSCs unchanged permanent members.PM Modi on need for UN reformsPrime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the need for UN reform, given the vastly different world since 1945. Despite nearly 200 members, UNSCs permanent members remain the same, he had stated.With India projected to become the worlds most populous nation soon, experts argue it rightly deserves a permanent seat rather than being sidelined by an unrepresentative council.What does Elon Musks recent post underscoresBy backing Indias inclusion, Elon Musk has amplified calls to reform the UNSC to reflect 21st-century realities better. However, overcoming resistance from certain permanent members remains the key challenge.
