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Home / IAS Preparation / United Nations Security Council

United Nations Security Council: UNSC Full Form, Powers & Functions - UPSC Notes

Last Updated on May 07, 2025
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The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the six main organs of the United Nations, responsible for maintaining international peace and security. It has 15 members, including five permanent members with veto power, and it can establish peacekeeping operations, impose international sanctions, and authorize military action. The UNSC plays a crucial role in resolving conflicts and preventing wars through diplomatic efforts and sanctions.

This topic belongs to General Studies Paper II of the UPSC syllabus, which covers subjects like International Relations and Current Affairs. Understanding the United Nations Security Council is essential for aspirants to grasp global governance and the dynamics of international security.

Download the UPSC Previous Year Questions on UNSC for Mains!

GS Paper

General Studies Paper II

Topics for UPSC Prelims

India’s foreign policy

Topics for UPSC Mains

UNSC's role in South Asia

What is UNSC(United Nations Security Council)?

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is the primary body responsible for maintaining international peace and security. It operates under the United Nations Charter and has the authority to make decisions that member states are obligated to implement. The UNSC can take a range of actions, from diplomatic resolutions to military interventions, to ensure global stability.

Overview of the UN Security Council (UNSC) for UPSC

Aspect

Details

UNSC Full form

United Nations Security Council 

Established

24 October 1945 (functionally active from 1946)

Primary Objective

To maintain international peace and security

Headquarters

New York City, USA

Total Members

15 (5 permanent + 10 non-permanent)

Permanent Members of the UNSC

China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, United States (all have veto power)

Non-Permanent Members of the UNSC

10 (elected for 2-year terms, can be re-elected)

India and the UNSC

India has been elected as a non-permanent member 8 times. India is actively lobbying for a permanent seat.

India’s Latest Membership

India served as a non-permanent member for the 2021–2022 term

Latest News Related to UNSC

As of May 7, 2025, the United Nations Security Council looked into rising tensions between India and Pakistan. This came after a terrorist attack happened in Pahalgam, India. In response, India launched a military operation called "Operation Sindhoor", which included strikes inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

  • Pakistan likely asked the UN Security Council to hold a private meeting to discuss the situation. The main goal of the Council was to stop things from getting worse and to push both countries to stay calm and talk peacefully.
  • The Council strongly condemned terrorism and likely asked Pakistan to take real steps against terrorist groups working from its territory.
  • India told the Council it had the right to defend itself and shared proof that the attackers came from Pakistan-based groups. India also said that its strikes were aimed at terrorist camps, not the Pakistani military or government.
  • Pakistan, on the other hand, called India’s actions an attack on its country and said it hurt innocent people. Pakistan asked the UN to stop India from taking further action.
  • The UN Security Council may have talked about making an official statement or resolution, but agreement among all members was difficult. The Council also showed concern for people living in the affected areas and stressed the need to protect civilians.

Objectives of United Nations Security Council

The main objectives of the UNSC are:

  • To maintain international peace and security.
  • To develop friendly relations among nations.
  • To encourage respect for human rights and freedoms.
  • To coordinate efforts to address global challenges such as terrorism and disarmament.

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Structure of UNSC

The UNSC has 15 members: five permanent and ten non-permanent members. It meets regularly to address threats to international peace and security. Each member has one vote, but the permanent members have additional powers, such as the right to veto.

UN Security Council Permanent Members

The five permanent members of the UNSC are:

  • United States
  • Russia
  • China
  • United Kingdom
  • France

These countries were given permanent seats due to their significant roles in establishing the UN and their influence in global affairs. They also possess veto power, allowing them to block any substantive resolution.

Non-Permanent Members of UNSC

The ten non-permanent members are elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly. These members have no veto power but can still influence decisions. The current non-permanent members (2024-2025) include countries like India, Ireland, and Kenya. Non-permanent members represent different regions and ensure a diverse representation in decision-making.

Member State

Region

Term Ends (Year)

Algeria

Africa

2025

Denmark

Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

2026

Greece

Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

2026

Guyana

Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)

2025

Pakistan

Asia-Pacific

2026

Panama

Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)

2026

Republic of Korea

Asia-Pacific

2025

Sierra Leone

Africa

2025

Slovenia

Eastern European Group (EEG)

2025

Somalia

Africa

2026

Read the article on the Achievements of India's Foreign Policy!

Powers and Functions of Security Council

The powers and functions of the UNSC are vast:

  • Investigating disputes that may lead to conflict.
  • Recommending methods for peaceful settlement of disputes.
  • Imposing sanctions to enforce its decisions.
  • Authorizing the use of force to maintain or restore peace.
  • Establishing and overseeing peacekeeping missions.
  • Admitting new members to the United Nations.
  • Recommending the appointment of the UN Secretary-General.

Role of UNSC

The UNSC plays a crucial role in maintaining international stability. It addresses conflicts, prevents wars, and facilitates peace processes. The council also monitors and promotes disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons. By working with other UN bodies, it addresses various global issues, such as terrorism, climate change, and human rights violations.

Read the article on India's Relations with Neighbouring Countries!

India and the United Nations Security Council

India has been an active participant in the UNSC. It has served as a non-permanent member multiple times, with significant contributions to peacekeeping operations and global security debates. India advocates for reforms in the UNSC, pushing for permanent membership to reflect the changing global order. India’s involvement in UNSC decisions highlights its growing role in international diplomacy.

Is India a Permanent Member of UNSC?

No, India is not a permanent member of the UNSC. It has long sought a permanent seat, arguing that the current structure does not reflect contemporary global realities. India has strong support from many countries for its bid, but changes to the UNSC structure require agreement among the current permanent members.

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UNSC UPSC FAQs

The full form of UNSC is the United Nations Security Council.

The UNSC was established on October 24, 1945, following the end of World War II, when the United Nations was founded.

The role of the UNSC is to maintain international peace and security by addressing conflicts, imposing sanctions, and authorizing military action when necessary.

The UNSC has ten non-permanent members, elected for two-year terms.

No, India is not a permanent member but has served as a non-permanent member.

Only five countries have veto power in the UNSC: the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, and France.

The non-permanent members of the UNSC are elected by the United Nations General Assembly.
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