Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has expressed support for India’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). During his remarks, he emphasized the importance of not increasing Western representation in any potential reforms of the influential UN body. Lavrov’s statement reflects ongoing discussions about the structure and composition of the UNSC, which has been a topic of debate among member states for years.
He also made clear Moscow’s opposition to allocating additional permanent seats to Western countries. “We are in favour of broadening the representation of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Mauritius gave an explicit endorsement of India’s bid. Mauritius also endorsed the Common African Position, calling for adequate regional representation, equal rights for new permanent members and dedicated spaces for small island developing states. Portugal also backed structural reform. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro called for a more representative Security Council with permanent representation for Africa, Brazil and India. Support for New Delhi’s ambitions also came through the four-nation G4 alliance. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi did not name individual G4 candidates in her address, but placed Security Council reform at the centre of her remarks.
Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio said the institution still reflected the geopolitical order of 1945.
Addressing world leaders at the UN General Assembly, Lavrov said changes to the Security Council must not weaken the prerogatives of the Council or its permanent members. We support Brazil’s and India’s candidatures for a permanent seat,” Lavrov said. Mauritian Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful said, “We support the positions of the G4 and of L69 on Council reform, and we reiterate our support for India’s candidature for a permanent seat, commensurate with its constructive role in global affairs. Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine said, “The Marshall Islands affirms its longstanding support for Japan and its G4 partners to achieve permanent membership on the UN Security Council.
