The United States responds to Elon Musk’s assertion regarding India’s endorsement of a permanent seat

The United States has expressed its backing for reforms within the United Nations establishments, notably the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), as conveyed by Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy Spokesperson of the US State Department, during a press briefing on Wednesday.

When questioned about remarks made by Tesla CEO Elon Musk concerning India’s absence of a permanent seat at the UNSC, Vedant Patel remarked, “The President has previously addressed this matter in his speeches to the UN General Assembly, and the Secretary has also made references to it. We unequivocally endorse reforms to the UN institution, including the Security Council, to render it more representative of the 21st-century global landscape. While I am unable to provide specific details regarding these measures, we certainly acknowledge the necessity for reform. However, I shall refrain from elaborating further at this juncture.” Elon Musk labeled India’s absence of a permanent seat in the UNSC as ‘absurd’ in January, highlighting that nations with significant power are hesitant to relinquish it.

In a post on X, Musk articulated, “There inevitably arises a need to reassess the UN bodies. The predicament lies in the reluctance of those in possession of excessive power to cede it. The exclusion of India from having a permanent seat on the Security Council, despite being the most populous nation on Earth, is indeed perplexing. In my opinion, Africa collectively should also be granted a permanent seat.” India has persistently pursued a permanent seat on the Security Council to more effectively represent the interests of the developing world. The nation’s endeavor has garnered momentum with backing from the international community.

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) comprises 15 member states, inclusive of five permanent members wielding veto power, alongside 10 non-permanent members chosen for biennial terms.

The five permanent members of the UNSC encompass China, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and the United States. The non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council are elected for two-year terms by the UNGA.

Prior to the commencement of the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in its electoral manifesto titled ‘Sankalp Patra,’ pledged to pursue permanent membership for the country in the United Nations Security Council.

Outlined in its manifesto released on April 14, the BJP declared, “We are resolute in our endeavor to secure permanent membership in the UN Security Council to enhance Bharat’s stature in global decision-making.” Earlier in January, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar underscored the mounting global backing for India’s permanent membership at the United Nations Security Council and remarked that sometimes, opportunities are not bestowed generously, necessitating assertive action.

“With each passing year, there is a growing sentiment worldwide that India deserves a place, and I can sense that support…The world does not readily bestow privileges; at times, one must seize them,” the EAM articulated in response to a query regarding India’s permanent seat at the UNSC. These remarks were made at the ‘Manthan’: Townhall meeting in Maharashtra’s Nagpur.