US Responds to Elon Musk’s Support for India’s Permanent UNSC Seat

A US official expressed support for reforms to the UN institution, including the Security Council, to make it more reflective of the 21st-century world. The official cited previous remarks by President Biden and Secretary Blinken on the need for reform.

Specific steps for reform were not provided, but the official acknowledged the necessity for change. In January, Tesla CEO Elon Musk criticized the absence of India’s permanent seat on the UNSC as ‘absurd,’ stating that those with excess power are reluctant to relinquish it.

Musk called for a revision of the UN bodies, emphasizing the need for India and Africa to have permanent seats on the Security Council. India has long pursued a permanent seat on the Security Council to better represent the interests of the developing world.

The country has garnered international support for its quest. The UNSC consists of 15 member states, including five permanent members with veto power and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.

The BJP’s election manifesto pledged to pursue permanent membership for India in the UNSC. In January, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted the growing global support for India’s permanent membership at the UNSC, emphasizing the need to seize opportunities that are not readily given.

He noted the world’s reluctance to grant things easily and generously, indicating the necessity for proactive pursuit.