UN Security Council (UNSC)

UN Security Council (UNSC)

Context

In November 2025, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2803, a pivotal development regarding the conflict in Gaza. India, maintaining its stance on regional stability, supported the resolution, which endorsed a "Comprehensive Plan" to transition Gaza from a conflict zone into a demilitarized territory under the oversight of a new Board of Peace (BoP).

About the News

Resolution 2803 (2025):

• The Vote: Adopted with 13 votes in favor and 2 abstentions (China and Russia). No P5 member exercised a veto.
• Core Mandate: Authorized the establishment of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) and a Board of Peace to manage Gaza's reconstruction and security.
• Key Objective: To transform Gaza into a "terror-free zone" and facilitate the withdrawal of Israeli forces while ensuring humanitarian aid and redevelopment.

India’s Position:

• India has been invited by the U.S. to join the Board of Peace.
• Supporting the resolution aligns with India's long-standing policy of a two-state solution and its increasing role as a mediator and "voice of the Global South."

Structure of the UNSC

The Council is composed of 15 members, categorized by their tenure and authority:

The Veto Power (Article 27)

The "power of veto" is the most significant distinction between the P5 and other members.

• Mechanism: Decisions on substantive matters require 9 affirmative votes, including the concurring votes of all 5 permanent members. A single negative vote from a P5 member blocks a resolution.
• Exceptions: A veto cannot block "procedural" decisions (e.g., setting the meeting agenda) or prevent the Council from discussing a topic.
• Double Veto: A P5 member can also use a veto to decide whether a matter is substantive or procedural.

Challenges & Critique

The 1945 Anachronism:

• India argues that the current structure reflects the post-WWII world order and fails to account for 21st-century geopolitical realities.
• Demand for Reform: India, along with the G4 nations (Brazil, Germany, Japan), demands permanent seats to improve regional representation, particularly for Africa and Asia.

Ineffectiveness on Global Issues:

• Terrorism: The Council has struggled to reach a unified definition of terrorism, often due to the differing strategic interests of P5 members.
• Veto Misuse: Critics point to frequent gridlocks where P5 members use the veto to protect their national interests or allies, leading to inaction in major crises (e.g., Ukraine, Syria).

Way Forward

• Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN): India continues to push for text-based negotiations to expand both permanent and non-permanent categories.
• The "15-Year" Proposal: As a gesture of flexibility, India and its G4 partners have suggested that new permanent members could waive their veto power for an initial period of 15 years to facilitate consensus on reform.

Conclusion

The passage of Resolution 2803 demonstrates that the UNSC can still act when the interests of major powers align, yet the systemic issues of veto and under-representation remain. For India, the path forward involves balancing its current role within the existing UN framework while leading the charge for a more democratic and representative "UN 2.0."