Article - Finland’s President Says UN Risks Weakening Without India At The UNSC
Finland's President, Alexander Stubb, has consistently argued that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) risks losing its legitimacy and effectiveness if it does not undergo reform to include major emerging global powers like India.
His central argument is that the UN's current structure, particularly the composition of the UNSC, is stuck in the realities of 1945, which no longer reflects the vastly changed global balance of power in the 21st century.
🏛️ Core Arguments for UN Reform
President Stubb's statements, notably during his address at the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2025, laid out a clear case for reform that directly aligns with India's long-standing demands:
Legitimacy from Representation: Stubb warned that if countries from the Global South—specifically citing Africa, Asia, and Latin America—do not get agency in the system, they will turn their backs against the United Nations.
He argued that legitimacy must flow from representativeness, not from the privileges of a bygone era. Expansion of Permanent Seats: He explicitly backed the expansion of the number of permanent seats in the UNSC, advocating for two permanent seats each for Africa and Asia, and one for Latin America.
This directly supports India's bid for a permanent seat. Critique of the Veto: Stubb also called for major changes to the veto power, suggesting the abolition of the single-state veto power and the potential suspension of any member engaging in an "illegal war" (citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine).
This addresses a core criticism of the current UNSC structure. Global Power Shift: He acknowledged the undeniable shift in the balance of power toward the South and East, emphasizing that countries like India have become key players due to their expanding economic force and inexorable demographic growth.
🇮🇳 India as an 'Emerging Superpower'
President Stubb has also repeatedly distinguished India from other major powers like China and Russia, urging Western nations to strengthen their partnership with New Delhi.
Distinct Ally: He asserted that "India is not like Russia and China," calling it an "emerging superpower" and a close ally of Europe and the United States.
Call for Engagement: Stubb issued a blunt warning to the West, particularly the United States, stating that if they fail to drive a "more cooperative, more dignified foreign policy" with the Global South and with India, they risk losing influence in the contest for the new world order.
Geopolitical Stake: He has specifically engaged with India on the Ukraine conflict, recognizing that India has a significant geopolitical stake in global security and must be involved in peace efforts.
In essence, Finland's position, as articulated by its President, supports the view that UN reform is a matter of institutional self-preservation. Without adapting to the 21st-century geopolitical reality and granting India a permanent seat, the UN's ability to maintain global peace and stability will continue to erode.
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