- By Radha Basnet
- Thu, 27 Apr 2023 04:00 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
INDIA has made the biggest statement regarding the permanent memberships of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and its veto power. The country said the use of the veto power in the UN Security Council is motivated by political factors rather than moral obligations. Pratik Mathur, a counsellor in the Indian Permanent Mission to the UN, said giving the privilege to use veto power to only five permanent members goes against the very concept of sovereign equality of states.
Addressing the UN General Assembly plenary on "Use of the veto" on Wednesday, Mathur said over the last 75 years, all five permanent members have used the veto to achieve their respective political ends. Adding, he said veto power either should be abolished or new members should also get the right.
"The exercise of veto is driven by political considerations, not by moral obligations. As long as it exists, the member state or member states, who can exercise the veto, will do so, irrespective of the moral pressure, as we have seen in the recent past," said Mathur, as quoted by news agency PTI, said.
What Is Veto Power?
It is the power provided to the five permanent members of the UNSC, to veto any substantive resolution. The power to say no or to stop an official action is called the veto power. One of the major usages of the veto power can be to block the selection of a Secretary-General of the Council.
How Many Countries Have Veto Power?
The five permanent members of the security council have veto power.
- China
- France
- Russia
- United Kingdom
- The United States of America
Origin Of Veto Power
- According to Article 27 of the UN Charter, veto power is granted to each member of the Security Council.
- On procedural matters, the Security Council must vote in favour by a margin of nine members.
- The Security Council's decision on all other matters is taken by an affirmative vote of nine members, including the permanent members' concurring votes.
The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the reform of the Security Council needs two-thirds of the votes of the General Assembly plus the five positive votes of the permanent members of the Security Council.
These Countries Supported India For Veto Power
Out of the five countries that have the special right to use the veto, four countries have supported India for the veto power. These include US, UK, France and Russia. Of these, China is the only country which is opposing India's permanent membership in the UN.