More support for India's claim

INDIA'S FOCUSSED CAMPAIGN for democratisation and reform of the United Nations and its powerful policy-making body, the 15-member Security Council, has begun to yield results, faster perhaps than even New Delhi had hoped for. This is reflected in the growing support for a permanent seat for India on an expanded Council. Till a year ago there were but two obvious candidates, Germany and Japan, both economic powerhouses, with the U.S. distinctly disinclined to grant entry to others. Washington's attitude was accompanied by the failure of the international community to evolve acceptable criteria for inclusion of other nations, with regional rivalries effectively stalling reform of the organisation. India's efforts received an initial setback when New Delhi needlessly entered the race for an elected Council seat against Japan. But since then, especially since the Kargil crisis of last summer, there has been evidence of some acknowledgment around the world of India's possibly key role as a force for peace and stability flowing from the innate strength of its democratic plurality.

The experiences of a decade after the end of the Cold War and the imbalances of the unipolar world have injected great urgency to reinvesting the world body with the responsibility for keeping global peace. The search for multiple poles to end the global domination by one superpower, coinciding with the initiation of measures for reforming the U.N., has seen the emergence of new friends and revival of old friendships and rivalries. It was in this evolving context that Russia, with a new President, renewed its support for India's candidature for a permanent seat. Now comes the categorical statement by the French President, Mr. Jacques Chirac, that New Delhi is a ``natural candidate'' which will receive the support of his country. Paris' support, underlined during the President, Mr. K. R. Narayanan's state visit, strengthens India's case even if it is partially the fallout of centuries-old rivalries on the Continent.

More non-committal has been the position of Britain. The visiting Foreign Secretary, Mr. Robin Cook, would not go further than hail India as a ``clear contender'' for a permanent seat. The Labour Government's apparent reluctance to break away from its past support to Pakistan was understandable. Britain is, besides, echoing Washington's line which is to keep up the suspense and uncertainty by saying India's candidature is receiving ``serious consideration''. Pakistan, their Cold War ally, has opposed India being given a permanent seat and suggested non-permanent rotational membership to nations in each region. Pakistan's Foreign Minister has openly criticised the expansion of what he called ``islands of privilege'' through grant of permanent seats.

Mr. Cook however has announced one departure. By adding Britain's voice to the U.S. President, Mr. Bill Clinton's warning call to Pakistan not to attempt to redraw boundaries in blood, Mr. Cook corrected a long-standing imbalance in Labour's policy perception on the Kashmir issue. His remark that there could be no meaningful dialogue in ``circumstances of violence'' fell short of a full condemnation of cross-border terrorism. But the message, addressed to Pakistan, was clear and categorical: respect the Line of Control. In the uncertain domestic situation in Pakistan - critically important considering that the Harkat-ul-Mujahideen has been forced to contradict an exceptionally bold statement reportedly made by the Interior Minister - a strong message from an ally of Cold War vintage will undoubtedly strengthen the beleaguered forces of moderation in Islamabad.

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