Russia backs India for permanent UN Security Council seat

India's growing influence on the world stage was underscored again as Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov openly backed India's claim to permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) while addressing the high-level session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA). Lavrov said that given the realities of today's world, it is essential for India to get a permanent seat on the Security Council.

Addressing the General Assembly, Lavrov stressed the need to maintain balance in the global order. He said that while reforming the Security Council, the council's core authority and the special rights of its permanent members should not be diminished. He also said that increasing the participation of developing regions such as Asia, Africa and Latin America is a need of the times. According to Russia, granting permanent membership to a strong and responsible country like India is vital for global peace and stability.

In his speech, Lavrov also issued a stern warning against the growing role and involvement of Western countries. He said it would be entirely wrong to give Western countries more permanent seats in any prospective reforms of the Security Council, calling it Moscow's position of principle. On the question of granting permanent seats to Germany and Japan, he said both countries are currently on a path of remilitarisation and vengefulness. He said that instead of increasing the influence of Western countries, more opportunities should be given to countries of the Global South.

Russia believes India from Asia and Brazil from Latin America are fully entitled to permanent membership. It also stressed that the interests and rightful claims of African countries should be respected, and they too should get proper representation on the Security Council.

India's efforts to secure a permanent Security Council seat now appear to be gaining traction, with several other major countries besides Russia openly supporting the demand. Mauritius Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful, speaking at the General Assembly, said his country supports the role of the G4 and L69 groups in Security Council reform. Ramful said that given India's positive and constructive role in world affairs, it is a fully deserving candidate for permanent membership.

Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro also backed India's claim, saying there is a need for structural reform of the Security Council at the earliest. India's rising economic strength, its participation in peacekeeping missions and its representation of a large population are strengthening its case by the day.

China, France, Russia, Britain and the United States are currently the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, and these five countries hold veto power. Besides them, there are 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.

However, the situation of 1945 and the realities of today's world are vastly different. This is why demands are growing worldwide for early reform of this top UN body to grant permanent membership to emerging major powers such as India and Brazil. Russia's firm stance has given fresh momentum to India's diplomatic efforts.