Russia has strongly endorsed India’s long-standing demand for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Speaking at the UN General Assembly (UNGA), Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the global balance of power has changed significantly since the UN was established 80 years ago, making reforms in the UNSC both urgent and unavoidable.
Lavrov declared that Moscow supports India and Brazil for permanent membership, underlining that Asia, Africa, and Latin America deserve stronger representation. His remarks add momentum to India’s decades-old campaign for UNSC reform.
Why Russia Supports India’s UNSC Membership
Lavrov made it clear that Russia “supports the application of Brazil and India for permanent seats” on the Council. With this statement, Moscow became the only permanent member (P5) to openly support India’s permanent seat.
He said:
“The current global balance is far different from when the UN was established. The Security Council must reflect these changes if it is to remain effective and representative.”
This endorsement is significant because reforms to the UNSC require consensus among existing permanent members—Russia, China, the US, the UK, and France. By backing India, Russia has put additional pressure on other powers to acknowledge the need for change.
Growing International Support for India
Russia is not alone in supporting India’s claim. Several countries have highlighted India’s growing global role and the need for fairer representation at the UN.
- Mauritius: Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful told the Assembly that India has “emerged as a major global player” and deserves a permanent seat on the Council.
- Bhutan: Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay stated that “a reformed UNSC must include deserving nations such as India and Japan.”
These statements show that the demand for UNSC reform is no longer limited to major powers—it is increasingly supported by smaller nations who see India as an important voice for the Global South.
India’s Role in Global Affairs
India has been pressing for UNSC reform for decades, arguing that the current structure reflects the world of 1945 rather than 2025. With a population of over 1.4 billion and one of the fastest-growing economies, India is now a key global player.
India contributes significantly to UN peacekeeping missions, plays a central role in climate change negotiations, and is an influential member of groupings like BRICS, G20, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Its track record as the world’s largest democracy also strengthens its case for a permanent seat.
Why UNSC Reform Matters Today
The UNSC is responsible for maintaining international peace and security, but critics argue that its composition is outdated. Currently, the Council has five permanent members with veto power and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.
Problems with the current structure include:
- Lack of Representation: Africa, Latin America, and large parts of Asia do not have permanent representation.
- Veto Power Imbalance: The five permanent members hold disproportionate power, often blocking resolutions that reflect global consensus.
- Changing Geopolitics: Rising powers like India, Brazil, and South Africa play vital roles in today’s global economy but lack permanent representation.
Reforms, therefore, are crucial for the Council’s credibility and effectiveness.
