Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has voiced strong support for reforming the UN Security Council (UNSC) to reflect today’s global realities. He highlighted that Russia backs India and Brazil for permanent seats, aiming to give Asia, Africa, and Latin America a stronger voice. With this, Russia becomes the only current permanent UNSC member to openly support India.
Lavrov noted that the world has changed drastically since the UN was founded 80 years ago. He said reforms are necessary to make the Security Council more effective and representative.
Other countries have also backed India’s bid. Mauritius Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful praised India as a major global player deserving a permanent seat. Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay agreed, adding that a reformed UNSC should include countries like India and Japan.
Lavrov also highlighted the importance of groups like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in coordinating the interests of the Global South.
Calls for UNSC reform were a key theme at this year’s UN General Assembly. India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar chaired a BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting, reaffirming support for the 2023 Johannesburg-II Declaration, which calls for a more democratic, representative, and efficient Security Council.
