Washington: In a resounding display of regional solidarity at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay has thrown his weight behind India’s long-standing quest for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
In his address to the assembly on Friday, Tobgay explicitly praised India and Japan as “deserving nations” deserving of permanent membership to reflect the evolving global power dynamics.
Tobgay’s intervention comes at a pivotal moment, as India intensifies its campaign for UNSC restructuring to amplify voices from Asia, Africa and the Global South. “The Security Council cannot remain a relic of the past; it must evolve to tackle today’s geopolitical and economic realities,” he asserted, highlighting Bhutan’s unwavering commitment to an expanded, more representative body. He painted a vision of a reformed UNSC that is “democratic, accountable, and effective”, capable of addressing pressing crises like climate change, poverty, and conflicts that “shatter lives and erode trust among nations”.
This endorsement echoes recent affirmations from the BRICS bloc, where foreign ministers, including those from China and Russia, reaffirmed support for India and Brazil’s enhanced roles in the UN framework during a sideline meeting at UNGA80. It’s a timely boost for New Delhi, which has championed UNSC expansion for decades, arguing that the current setup – with five permanent members (P5: US, UK, France, Russia, and China) wielding veto power and 10 non-permanent seats rotating every two years – is woefully outdated and Eurocentric.
India’s path, however, remains thorny, primarily due to China’s persistent opposition, despite strong ties with the other P4 nations. France has long backed New Delhi’s bid, and decisions require nine affirmative votes from 15 members, but a single veto can derail any proposal. Tobgay’s remarks, built on his previous endorsements of India’s aspirations, underscore the growing chorus for change, positioning Bhutan — India’s steadfast Himalayan neighbour — as a vocal ally in this diplomatic marathon.
As the UN approaches its centennial, Tobgay envisioned a world of “stable climate and equal opportunities for every child,” urging member states to seize the reform momentum. For India, this neighbourly cheer signals that the global stage is inching closer to recognising its rightful place at the highest table of international security.