What U.S. Said in Response to Elon Musk's Endorsement of India's Permanent UNSC Seat

Washington: The United States has expressed backing for reforms within United Nations structures, notably the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), as stated by US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel during a press briefing.

Addressing Tesla CEO Elon Musk's advocacy for India's permanent UNSC seat, Patel remarked, "The President and Secretary have previously addressed this matter in their speeches to the UN General Assembly. We firmly support reforms within the UN framework, including the Security Council, to align it with the realities of the 21st century. While I cannot offer specifics on the steps, we acknowledge the need for reform. That's as much as I can elaborate on at this time."

Elon Musk had earlier criticized India's absence from the permanent UNSC roster as 'absurd,' emphasizing the reluctance of powerful nations to cede authority.

In a statement on X, Musk asserted, "At some point, there needs to be a revision of the UN bodies. Problem is that those with excess power don't want to give it up. India not having a permanent seat on the Security Council, despite being the most populous country on Earth, is absurd. Africa collectively should also have a permanent seat."

India has long sought a permanent seat

India has persistently pursued a permanent seat on the Security Council to better represent the interests of developing nations, garnering increasing international support.

The UNSC comprises 15 member states, including five permanent members with veto power and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.

China, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and the United States constitute the UNSC's permanent members, while non-permanent members are elected by the UNGA for two-year terms.

Prior to the Lok Sabha elections' first phase, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) pledged in its manifesto, titled 'Sankalp Patra,' to pursue India's permanent membership in the UNSC.

In its manifesto released on April 14, the BJP affirmed, "We are committed to seeking permanent membership in the UN Security Council to enhance India's role in global decision-making."

Earlier in January, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted the growing global backing for India's permanent UNSC membership, stressing the need to seize opportunities even when not readily given.

Jaishankar remarked, "Every year, the sentiment around the world is that India deserves a seat, and I sense that support... The world doesn't always grant things easily and abundantly; sometimes, you have to assert your position." He made these remarks during a 'Manthan' town hall event in Maharashtra's Nagpur.