Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay has called for an expanded and more representative United Nations Security Council (UNSC), saying that deserving countries such as India and Japan should be included
as permanent members.
“Bhutan believes in a United Nations that is representative, responsive, and effective. We seek a multilateralism that delivers results, not just resolutions. That is why Bhutan supports reform of the United Nations, including reform of the Security Council, expanding both permanent and non-permanent membership. A reformed Security Council must include deserving nations such as India and Japan alongside other capable and leading countries to reflect today’s complex realities,” he said.
Last year, also Tobgay voiced support for India’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), citing the country’s significant economic growth and leadership in the Global South.
Tshering said that Bhutan has been a vocal advocate for reforming the UNSC, pushing for a more representative and effective body. “The United Nations must evolve to meet the realities of today’s world. The Security Council, as it stands, is a relic of the past. We need a Council that reflects the current geopolitical and economic landscape. Bhutan has long advocated for the reform of the Security Council to make it more representative and effective,” he had said.
He added, “For this, India, with its significant economic growth and leadership in the Global South, deserves a permanent seat at the Security Council. Similarly, Japan, a leading donor and peacebuilder, warrants permanent membership.”
The UNSC is composed of 15 member states, including five permanent members with veto power and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.
The five permanent members of the UNSC include China, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and the United States. The non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council are elected for 2-year terms by the UNGA.
