Strategic Bridge Between East and West, India Pushes for Regular Council Role

New Delhi – Rajya Sabha lawmaker Harsavardhan Shringla highlighted India’s role as a strategic bridge that connects the East with the West, arguing that this unique function should translate into a regular seat on the United Nations Security Council.

He explained that India’s diplomatic outreach now spans continents, allowing it to serve as a mediator between diverse geopolitical blocs. The Prime Minister’s participation in gatherings such as the G7 and BRICS illustrates the nation’s ability to engage with both traditional Western powers and emerging economies.

Shringla noted that while India enjoys amicable relations with many Western nations, it also represents the concerns of the Global South on several crucial issues. This dual representation, he said, reinforces the necessity for India to retain a permanent foothold in the council.

India’s past tenure as a non‑permanent member—first in 2011‑12, again in 2021‑22, and now seeking the 2028‑29 slot—demonstrates the country’s consistent involvement and the trust placed in it by other UN members.

Regular council membership, according to Shringla, equips India to promote peace, mitigate tensions, and foster diplomatic negotiation. He cited Prime Minister Modi’s ongoing diplomatic outreach concerning the Ukraine conflict, the volatile situation in the Middle East, and other global challenges as proof of India’s commitment to constructive dialogue.

The parliamentarian reminded audiences that the UNSC is the only United Nations body whose resolutions are legally binding under Chapter VII, making India’s presence vital for shaping decisions that affect the entire international community.

Finally, Shringla argued that holding a seat on the council bolsters India’s long‑standing demand for a permanent position, offering a stronger platform to champion reforms and enhance the council’s effectiveness in preserving world peace and security.