o India has participated in virtually all of the initiatives of the UN.

o Its role in the UN’s peacekeeping efforts is a long and substantial one.

o The country’s economic emergence on the world stage is another factor that perhaps

justifies India’s claim to a permanent seat in the Security Council.

o India has also made regular financial contributions to the UN and never faltered on its payments.

o Its military strength and responsible behaviour in terms of nuclear proliferation also bolster its claims

♤ India is aware that permanent membership of the Security Council also has symbolic importance. It signifies a country’s growing importance in world affairs. This greater status is an advantage to a country in the conduct of its foreign policy: the reputation for being powerful makes one more influential.

♤ India coordinates its position on the expansion of Security Council along with other claimants for a permanent membership such as Brazil, Germany and Japan in group called G-4.

♤ Despite India’s wish to be a permanent veto-wielding member of the UN, some countries question its inclusion. Neighboring Pakistan, with which India has troubled relations, is not the only country that is reluctant to see India become a permanent veto member of the Security Council. Some countries, for instance, are concerned about India’s nuclear weapons capabilities. These views find common cause in the coalition known as Uniting for Consensus or the Coffee club, which apart from Italy and Pakistan also includes Argentina, Canada, Colombia, Malta, Mexico, San Marino, Spain, South Korea, and Turkey.