Russia has backed India’s candidature for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), while opposing any expansion of Western representation on the Council.
Addressing world leaders at the UN General Assembly on Saturday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said any reform of the Security Council must preserve the prerogatives of the Council and its permanent members.
Lavrov also opposed the allocation of additional permanent seats to Western countries, while calling for greater representation of nations from the Global South.
“UN Security Council reform cannot involve any additional seats being allocated to Western countries, especially to Germany and Japan, who are now on the path to militarism and revanchism,” Lavrov said.
“We are in favour of broadening the representation of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. We support Brazil's and India's candidatures for a permanent seat,” he added.
Several other countries also voiced support for India’s bid during the UNGA session, underscoring calls for reforms to make the Security Council more reflective of contemporary geopolitical and economic realities.
Mauritius explicitly endorsed India’s candidature during its address to the General Assembly. “We reiterate our support for India's candidature for a permanent seat, commensurate with its constructive role in global affairs,” Mauritian Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful said.
Portugal also called for structural reform of the Security Council, advocating greater representation for Africa, Brazil and India.
Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine likewise expressed her country’s support for the inclusion of the G4 group—which includes India, Brazil, Germany and Japan—in a reformed Security Council.
