Elon Musk criticized the absence of India from the list of permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), labeling it as “absurd.” His remark came in response to UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressing concern over the lack of any African nation as a permanent member of the Security Council.
Guterres, expressing his disappointment on X (formerly known as Twitter), questioned how Africa could still lack a single permanent member in the Security Council. He stressed the importance of institutions reflecting the realities of today’s world rather than those of 80 years ago.
How can we accept that Africa still lacks a single Permanent Member in the Security Council?
Institutions must reflect today’s world, not that of 80 years ago.
September’s Summit of the Future will be an opportunity to consider global governance reforms & re-build trust.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) January 20, 2024
Venture capitalist Michael Eisenberg raised the issue of India’s representation, questioning why India was not being considered for permanent membership. He even suggested the dismantling of the United Nations and the establishment of a new organization with stronger leadership.
In response to Eisenberg’s tweet, Musk remarked, “India not having a permanent seat on the Security Council, despite being the most populous country on Earth, is absurd.
At some point, there needs to be a revision of the UN bodies.
Problem is that those with excess power don’t want to give it up.
India not having a permanent seat on the Security Council, despite being the most populous country on Earth, is absurd.
Africa collectively should…
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 21, 2024
It is noted that four out of five permanent member nations of the UNSC have consistently supported India’s candidature for a permanent seat in the top world body.