Staff Correspondent, Dhaka:
Russia’s renewed support for India’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council adds another significant endorsement to New Delhi’s long-running campaign, but the broader reform process remains politically complex.
Speaking at the 81st UN General Assembly in New York, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov backed permanent membership for both India and Brazil while calling for greater representation of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. He also opposed adding further Western countries to the permanent category, specifically referring to Germany and Japan.
Mauritius separately reiterated support for India’s candidature and the positions of the G4 and L69 groupings, reflecting wider backing among developing countries.
However, Russia’s position does not by itself resolve the central obstacles to reform. The Security Council currently has 15 members—five permanent and 10 elected for two-year terms.
Any change to the Council’s composition would require amendment of the UN Charter, including approval by two-thirds of the General Assembly and ratification by two-thirds of UN members, including all five existing permanent members.
Russia’s endorsement therefore strengthens India’s diplomatic case, while differences among major powers continue to make consensus on the Council’s future structure difficult.
