Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has backed India’s candidature for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) while opposing additional permanent seats for Western countries, including Germany and Japan, during the 81st UN General Assembly in New York.
Lavrov said UNSC reform should increase representation from Asia, Africa and Latin America, specifically supporting the permanent membership bids of India and Brazil. He also said Africa’s interests should be addressed in any reform process.
Russia backs India and Brazil for permanent UNSC seats, while seeking wider regional representation#Russia #India #Brazil #UNSC #SergeyLavrov #UNGA #GlobalSouth pic.twitter.com/XWMuN8kZaw
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India’s bid also received backing from Mauritius and Portugal during the General Assembly.
Mauritius reiterated support for the G4 and L69 positions on Council reform, while Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro called for a more representative Security Council with permanent representation for India, Brazil and Africa.
The Marshall Islands separately reaffirmed support for Japan and its G4 partners, while Japan’s leadership called for expansion of both permanent and non-permanent membership categories.
The UNSC currently has 15 members—five permanent members with veto power and 10 elected members serving two-year terms.
Any change to the UN Charter requires approval by two-thirds of the General Assembly and ratification by two-thirds of UN members, including all five permanent members.
