The present composition of United Nations Security Council is representative of the military power structure of the 1940’s where as global realities have changed dramatically over the decades and there was an urgent need to reform the UN structure to make it more representative, Anand Sharma, from the India’s Foreign Ministry has stated.

Latin America and Africa which not only constitute a large geographical area on the planet but also support large populations don’t have any representation in the security council, said Sharma, who is Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s three year old government.

Japan and Germany today are economically developed nations but have been excluded from the all powerful decision making body. India, which is the largest democracy in the world too has not been given its due place in the United Nations hierarchy, he said. We along with Brazil, Germany and Japan that make up the G-4 group are pressing for expansion of the UN Security Council, he said.

We are also asking that more representation be given to democratic countries. Brazil - the largest democracy in Latin America, South Africa - the largest democracy in Africa and India -the largest democracy in Asia needs to be included in an expanded security council, said Anand Sharma.

The Indian minister’s call assumes significance as the role of the multi-lateral body is suspected to sub serve the interest of 5 broadly allied nations that emerged victorious in World War II. Veto powers of these nations render the UN ineffective and undemocratic.

Super power unilateralism wherein sovereignty of weaker nations is transgressed has further eroded the authority of the world body. Calls for expansion of the Security Council at the United Nations General Assembly sessions have been made over the last decade but no agreement is achieved because of absence of consensus over rival claims for a seat on the UN High Table.62080