India and the UN Security Council: Relations with China, ASEAN

India's Role in the UN Security Council

Peace, Prosperity, and Regional Economic Organizations

It is true that the peace and prosperity of countries lie in the establishment and strengthening of regional economic organizations. This statement is exemplified by the ASEAN Regional Forum and the European Union. The ASEAN Regional Forum is based on the notion of not escalating territorial disputes into armed confrontation.

• The ASEAN is rapidly growing into a very important regional organization. Its Vision 2020 has defined an outward-looking role in the international community. This builds on the existing ASEAN policy to encourage negotiations over conflicts in the region. Thus, ASEAN has mediated the end of the Cambodian conflicts, the East Timor crisis, and meets annually to discuss East Asian cooperation.
• The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) maintains coordination of security and foreign policy.
• The EU has also been founded on the grounds of common foreign and EU security policy, cooperation on justice, and home affairs.
• The European Union has also extended cooperation while acquiring new members, especially from the former Soviet bloc.

Contentious Issues Between China and India

The contentious issues between China and India are explained below. Relations with China initially saw friendly gestures from India, such as the signing of the popular 'Panchsheel' to develop Indo-China relations in 1954 and advocating for China's membership in the United Nations. However, after 1957, various contentious issues arose in Indo-China relations:

• Border Conflict of 1962: Competing territorial claims, principally in Arunachal Pradesh and the Aksai Chin region of Ladakh.
• Tibetan Takeover: Differences originating from the Chinese takeover of Tibet in 1950 and the final settlement of the Sino-Indian border.
• Post-Panchsheel Conflict: After Panchsheel, an attack by China on India in 1962 to occupy larger territories of India created humiliation.
• China-Pakistan Relations: China's assistance to Pakistan's nuclear program also created differences.
• China's Military Ties: China's military relations with Bangladesh and Myanmar were viewed as hostile to Indian interests.

Resolving Differences for Greater Cooperation

All the above-mentioned differences/disputes could be resolved for greater cooperation:

• Both countries should make more efforts to revive a harmonious attitude between themselves.
• Both countries should work together to fight against terrorism, the nuclear race, and economic disparities.
• Both countries should develop understanding and respect.
• Both have signed agreements on cultural exchange and cooperation in science and technology.

Functions of the UN Security Council

The main functions of the Security Council are:

• The preservation of international peace and security.
• The council can investigate disputes and recommend means of settling them peacefully.
• The Security Council can take military action if required.
• The Secretary-General is appointed by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council.
• It can apply economic sanctions to stop any aggression.

India's Candidature for Permanent Membership in the Security Council

India should be a permanent member of the Security Council for the following reasons:

• India is the second most populous country in the world, comprising almost one-fifth of the world's population.
• India is also the world's largest democracy.
• India has participated in virtually all of the UN's initiatives.
• Its role in the UN's peacekeeping efforts is significant.
• India's economic emergence on the world stage is another factor that justifies its claim.
• India has also made regular financial contributions to the UN and never faltered on its payments.