India permanent UNSC seat: Russia backs New Delhi bid as UN reform debate grows

Russia has backed India’s push for an India permanent UNSC seat, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov supporting New Delhi’s candidature during his address to the United Nations General Assembly. He also said any reform of the Security Council should give greater space to countries from the Global South rather than add more permanent seats for Western nations.

Speaking at the UN General Assembly on Saturday, Lavrov said that changes to the Security Council should not diminish the existing privileges of its five permanent members. He notably opposed new permanent seats for Germany and Japan, citing their militarism and revanchism.

India permanent UNSC seat gets Russian support

Lavrov stated that Russia favours increased participation of Asia, Africa, and Latin America on the United Nations Security Council. He identified India and Brazil as nations Moscow favours for permanent membership.

“We support Brazil’s and India’s bids for permanent seats,” Lavrov added, emphasising the need for more global participation. He also emphasised the need of considering Africa’s interests in any future reform efforts.

India’s candidacy has also attracted backing from other countries. Mauritius and Portugal used their UNGA remarks to advocate for reforms to the present Security Council framework and to support India’s bid.

Mauritius’ Foreign Minister, Dhananjay Ramful, stated that his country supports the G4 and L69 groups’ stances on Security Council reform. He also supported India’s bid for a permanent seat, emphasising its importance in world affairs.

Portugal’s Prime Minister, Luis Montenegro, has urged for a more inclusive Council, including permanent seats for Africa, Brazil, and India. His words contributed to the broader push for reforms to the present framework.

UN Security Council reform faces major hurdles

The G4 group, which comprises India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan, has long advocated for Security Council reform. Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine also expressed support for the organization, reaffirming Japan’s and its G4 partners’ bid for permanent membership.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made no mention of specific G4 countries in her UNGA remarks. She did, however, urge for a fast adjustment to the Security Council to better reflect current world circumstances.

Currently, the Security Council includes five permanent members: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. They have veto power, and 10 non-permanent members serve two-year terms.

Changes to the Council’s structure need a two-thirds majority in the UN General Assembly, followed by adoption by two-thirds of UN member states. The change also requires the permission of all five permanent members, making future growth a difficult procedure.