New Delhi: Stating that India would do whatever is right in the national interest and for the global good without being intimated to ‘conform’, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday reiterated that India could ‘never’ permit others to have a veto on its choices. He made the remark while addressing a function in Mumbai virtually.
“Independence should never be confused with neutrality. We will do whatever is right in our national interest and for global good without being intimidated to conform. Bharat can never permit others to have a veto on its choices,” he said in a video message.
“For too long we were schooled to visualize progress and modernity as a rejection of our heritage and traditions. Perhaps, this came from an affinity for imported models, or perhaps it was a discomfort with its own practices. But now as the deepening of democracy has thrown up more authentic voices, the country is rediscovering itself and finding again its own persona,” he added.
At present, the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) – China, France, Russia, the UK and the US – have the power to veto any decision, barring procedural decisions.
Honoured to be awarded the Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi National Eminence Award for Public Leadership by the South Indian Education Society.
https://t.co/kXjCOxxjKf— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 22, 2024
The UNSC has 15 members in total. The remaining 10 are elected non-permanent members, who serve two-year terms, and do not have veto power.
India has been calling for change of the Security Council, including expansion in both its permanent and non-permanent categories. India has been saying that the 15-nation Council is not fit for purpose in the 21st century.
France, Russia, the UK and the US have also strongly supported India’s attempt for a permanent UNSC seat.
“India will inevitably progress but must not lose Bharatiyata”
The minister said India was an ‘exceptional’ nation because it is a civilisation state. “Such a country will only exercise influence when it fully leverages its cultural strengths in the global arena,” he said.
“To that it is essential that we ourselves, the younger generation, are fully aware of the value and significance of our heritage. This can be articulated at various levels, but most importantly it should have an impact at the societal level,” the minister added. The minister said India would ‘inevitably’ progress, but it must lose its ‘Bharatiyata.’ “Only then can we truly emerge as a leading power in a multi-polar world,” he said.
“India at crucial juncture”
The minister said India was poised at a ‘crucial juncture.’ He stated that on the global stage, India had established itself as an independent power but one committed to global good, especially the well-being of the global south.
