I am hesitant to provide my objective analysis of India, because of the Indian nationalists that will become angry at me. However, this is an interesting look and it may be useful for those that are willing to see with clear eyes.
India (potential candidate for UNSC permanent membership):
Economic strength: $1.2 trillion (11th in the world; less than 1/10 the size of the U.S.; and 1/4 the size of China)
Political strength: U.S. can count on European, Japanese, Australian, and South Korean solidarity. China can count on African, mostly ASEAN, some Latin American (e.g. Venezuela, Cuba, etc.), and some Middle Eastern support (e.g. Iran). China is an unofficial leader of G-77.
Not sure where Indian international political base is located. India looks like a supporting member of U.S. international political positions. Distinctive Indian views on important international issues are rare. This implies a serious question of international leadership potential.
Geographic: India is 1/3 the size of the United States or China. Russia is largest. France and Britain can be thought to collectively represent Europe.
On this criterion, India barely qualifies. Europe is a minnow geographically and India may meet the European standard. However, it is difficult for the United States, China, and Russia to see India as an equal.
Technological: United States is the leader. China has pockets of world leadership in technology (e.g. world's fastest high-speed rail system, world's fastest supercomputer, world's largest manufacturer and exporter of high-tech equipment, etc.). Overall European technology is generally considered as a runner-up to the United States. Russia has a declining industrial base, but they can still manufacture heavy industrial equipment; they may not be world-class, but it's good enough for now.
India has a solid software industry. However, India mostly imports all of its heavy industrial equipment. I have a post on the major contractors of the Delhi Metro. Most of them are foreign. In any case, most people do not consider today's India to be a technological or industrial power.
Military power: All P-5 members have had thermonuclear weapons for decades. India is stuck at the atomic weapon level. Furthermore, due to lack of indigenous manufacturing capability, India imports many advanced conventional weapons. For example, the Arjun tank contains 60% foreign content by value.
I will now rate India's CURRENT suitability for UNSC permanent membership as weak, average, or strong on the above-listed criteria:
Economic strength (relative to other UNSC members): weak
Political strength: weak
Geographic strength: weak
Technological strength: weak
Military power: average
Overall rating: weak
Conclusion: I am sorry to disappoint you, but my objective analysis indicates that India is unlikely to pry open the door anytime soon to the United Nations Security Council permanent membership with veto power.
