The Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, has expressed support for India’s pursuit of a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). His endorsement came during an address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Saturday, where he articulated Russia’s stance on reforming the UNSC to better represent the Global South.

During his remarks, Lavrov emphasised the need for changes in the UNSC that avoid reallocating permanent seats to Western nations. He specifically mentioned countries like Germany and Japan, suggesting their militaristic tendencies were incompatible with an expanded UNSC. He stated, “We support Brazil’s and India’s candidatures for a permanent seat,” underscoring Russia’s commitment to broader representation from regions like Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Broader Global Support for India’s Candidature

India’s bid for a permanent seat garnered additional backing from other nations participating in the UNGA debate. Dhananjay Ramful, the Foreign Minister of Mauritius, reiterated his country’s support for both the G4 and L69 coalitions, which advocate for UNSC reforms. He asserted that India’s constructive role in global affairs justified its call for permanent membership.

Similarly, Portugal aligned itself with the movement for structural reforms within the UNSC. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro highlighted the necessity for a more inclusive and representative Council, advocating for permanent representation for India, Brazil, and Africa. This reflects a growing consensus among various nations on the need for reform.

In contrast, the Marshall Islands reiterated its support for Japan and the G4 countries. President Hilda Heine confirmed her country’s longstanding position, affirming their desire for Japan and its partners to achieve permanent membership at the UNSC.

Calls for Enhanced African Representation

African leaders also voiced their demand for improved representation during the UNGA discussions. Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio noted that the UNSC still mirrored the world of 1945 and called attention to Africa’s considerable population of over 1.6 billion, which currently lacks a permanent seat at the Council.

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama echoed this sentiment, arguing that reform was essential for the United Nations’ legitimacy and credibility. He pointed to the existing imbalance in representation and called for swift action to rectify this issue. It is noteworthy that the current structure of the UNSC comprises five permanent members.

These include China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US—who hold veto powers, alongside ten non-permanent members serving two-year terms. Any amendments to the UN Charter require a two-thirds majority in the General Assembly as well as ratification from two-thirds of UN member states, including all five permanent members.

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