Kolkata, Jan 14 (PTI) Former Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme has pushed for India’s permanent inclusion in the Security Council, arguing that such a move would strengthen the Council’s legitimacy and representativeness.
Mr. Leterme argued that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) needs to adapt to the realities of the 21st century, as it requires representation beyond the structures established in the 20th century.
Mr. Leterme praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership in elevating India’s geopolitical standing, saying the country has earned the right to a stronger position in the multilateral arena.
In an interview with PTI, Letelme praised the new connectivity initiative, India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), and highlighted its complementary nature to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
“It complements and completes what the Chinese have designed,” he said.
Reflecting on the geopolitical aftermath of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Mr. Leterme advocated for a more equitable distribution of roles in multilateral institutions, calling for greater participation by countries such as India, Brazil, and African countries, among others.
Mr. Leterme emphasized the need for a reset of multilateral institutions and proposed a rebalancing to deal with evolving global power relations.
“We all preach a better division of labor,” he said. “I think our multilateral institutions have served us very well since World War II. But we need a reset. Reset. That means we need to readjust the balance.” , to bring about a change in the balance of power. ”
Regarding emerging countries such as India, some African countries, and Brazil, Mr. Leterme argued that these countries have the right to play an important role in multilateral frameworks.
Emphasizing that it is essential for India to play a more prominent role in multilateralism, Mr. Leterme said: “Together with India and Brazil, we can strengthen the P5 and make it more representative. The legitimacy of the work carried out by the Council will be strengthened.” 20th century systems and solutions cannot address 21st century problems. ”
Expressing support for India’s bid for a permanent seat on the Security Council, Letelme said, “The United Nations Security Council should be restructured so that India, Brazil, and other emerging countries have a voice and the right to influence decision-making.” There is a need to do so.”
India, a strong candidate for a permanent seat on the Security Council, has expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of progress in discussions on Security Council reform. Currently, the UNSC consists of her five permanent members and her ten non-permanent members, who are elected by the United Nations General Assembly for two-year terms.
The five permanent members are Russia, the United Kingdom, China, France, and the United States, and these countries can veto substantive resolutions.
Discussing the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) project, Letelme dispelled the notion of competition with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, saying, “I don’t look at it from a competing perspective. He is excellent at this.” We welcome it, because it complements and completes the existing proposals and those designed by the Chinese. ”
Mr. Leterme highlighted the need to improve ties between the European Union and Asia, focusing in particular on the disconnect that exists between the European economy and Asia.
He called for improved transport infrastructure to increase connectivity.
The former Prime Minister highlighted the importance of the connectivity partnership between the EU and India and proposed further investment in infrastructure connectivity for the transport of energy products and water to strengthen ties between the two regions.
Commenting on Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, Leterme praised India’s progress in becoming a reliable partner in geopolitics.
“I think we have a track record. India is a progressive country, India is emerging as a trusted partner in geopolitics, and I think that is a very important dividend of policy decisions in recent years. I think so,” he said.
Regarding the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Mr. Leterme emphasized the EU’s interest in concluding an FTA with India, which it considers to be a future superpower.
“The European Union has not been successful in concluding trade deals recently. It is in the EU’s interest to conclude an FTA with India. Working towards drafting a balanced FTA with India is a priority,” he said. We should,” he said.
Leterme said the European Union needs to invest more in its partnership with India.
“I think we need to work together with India to better align our position in the G20 system in the multilateral framework. That is why the European Union should work with India to be an ally in the geopolitical process,” he said. We should invest more in privileged relationships.”
He stressed that it is in the EU’s interest for India to play a non-aligned role and cooperate with all countries, rather than aligning only with the US and China.