In a significant diplomatic development, Chile has thrown its weight behind India's longstanding quest for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The South American nation's top diplomat explicitly stated that India possesses the capacity to act as a major force for stability in world affairs.
Chile's Strong Endorsement for UNSC Reforms
The endorsement came directly from Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren during a joint press interaction in New Delhi on Wednesday. The minister was alongside India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, following their comprehensive discussions. Van Klaveren articulated a clear position, stating that Chile supports India's candidacy for a permanent seat in a reformed and expanded Security Council.
He emphasized that the current structure of the UNSC does not accurately reflect the realities of the contemporary world. "We believe that India can be a factor of stabilisation in global affairs," van Klaveren remarked, pinpointing the core rationale behind his country's support. This statement underscores a growing international consensus that multilateral institutions, formed in the post-World War II era, require urgent reform to include major emerging powers like India.
Deepening Bilateral Ties and Shared Vision
The meeting between the two ministers covered extensive ground, aiming to strengthen the bilateral partnership across multiple sectors. Key areas of discussion included trade and economic cooperation, critical minerals, space collaboration, and traditional medicine. Both sides acknowledged the immense potential for growth in their economic relationship.
Minister Jaishankar highlighted the positive trajectory of the India-Chile relationship, noting the finalization of a Partial Scope Trade Agreement in 2017 as a foundational step. He expressed a mutual desire to upgrade this agreement into a more comprehensive deal, facilitating greater trade flows. Jaishankar also pointed to new opportunities in the mining sector, particularly regarding lithium, a critical component for clean energy technologies, where Chile is a world leader.
On the political front, the ministers found common ground on several international issues. They exchanged views on the situations in West Asia and Ukraine, reflecting a shared commitment to dialogue and diplomacy. This alignment on global challenges further solidifies the strategic understanding between the two nations.
A Strategic Push for a Reformed Multilateral Order
Chile's backing is a valuable addition to the list of countries supporting India's UNSC bid. It signals a strengthening of ties between India and a influential nation in Latin America, a region where India has been steadily enhancing its engagement. This support is not merely symbolic; it represents a concrete step in the diplomatic campaign to build a broad-based coalition for UN reform.
The joint stance taken by Jaishankar and van Klaveren sends a powerful message about the need for a more inclusive and representative global governance system. For India, a permanent seat at the UNSC is seen as essential to shaping international peace and security decisions commensurate with its demographic, economic, and political stature.
As the call for reforming the United Nations grows louder, endorsements from respected middle powers like Chile add significant momentum to India's case. The recognition of India as a potential "factor of stabilisation" reframes the bid not just as a national aspiration, but as a necessary change for a more balanced and effective global order.
