The United States has responded to the matter of India's bid for a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council, as raised by Tesla CEO Elon Musk earlier this year. The US has expressed its backing for reforms to the United Nations' institutions "to ensure they reflect the realities of the 21st-century world."

During a press briefing, a journalist queried US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel about his government's stance on Elon Musk's remarks, which underscored the absence of a permanent seat for India at the UNSC.

In response to the inquiry, Vedant Patel stated, "The President and the Secretary have previously addressed this issue in their remarks to the UN General Assembly. We unequivocally endorse reforms to the UN institution, including the Security Council, to ensure it mirrors the realities of the 21st-century world. While I cannot provide specific details on these measures at present, it is evident that reform is necessary. However, I will refrain from elaborating further at this time."

In January, billionaire Elon Musk remarked that India's absence from a permanent seat on the UNSC is "absurd". He elaborated in a social media post, suggesting that this situation persists because nations with the greatest power are unwilling to surrender it.

In a post on X platform, the CEO of Tesla stated, "At some point, there must be a review of the UN bodies. The issue arises as those with excessive power are unwilling to relinquish it. The absence of India from a permanent seat on the Security Council, despite being the most populous country on Earth, is deemed absurd. Additionally, Africa as a collective should also be granted a permanent seat."

Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unveiled its election manifesto titled "Sankalp Patra," wherein the party pledged to actively pursue permanent membership for India in the United Nations Security Council.

In its election manifesto, the BJP emphasised, "We are committed to actively pursuing permanent membership in the UN Security Council to enhance India's position in global decision-making."

In January, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discussed the increasing backing India is garnering in its quest for a permanent seat at the UNSC. He stated, "Each year, there is a growing sentiment globally that India should have a seat, and I sense that support... The world does not readily and generously grant privileges; sometimes, they must be pursued."

Image source: Hindustan Times