Sergey Lavrov Backs India’s Permanent Seat Bid in UN Security Council

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has strongly backed India’s candidature for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), calling for greater representation of the Global South in the world body.

Addressing the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Lavrov said Russia supports expanding the representation of Asia, Africa and Latin America in a reformed Security Council. He specifically endorsed the permanent membership candidatures of India and Brazil.

Lavrov’s remarks reinforce Moscow’s longstanding position that the present composition of the UNSC does not adequately reflect contemporary global realities. Russia has previously reiterated its support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed and expanded Security Council.

Focus on Global South Representation

The Russian Foreign Minister argued for a greater voice for developing countries, particularly from Asia, Africa and Latin America. The position is consistent with Russia’s broader call for a more representative and multipolar international system.

Russia and China also reiterated support for India and Brazil to play a greater role in the United Nations, including the Security Council, in the BRICS New Delhi Declaration adopted earlier this month.

The UNSC currently has 15 members, including five permanent members — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States — with veto power. Calls for reform have focused on making the Council more representative of the contemporary global order.

India has consistently advocated comprehensive reform of the Security Council, arguing that its current structure does not adequately reflect present-day geopolitical realities.

Lavrov’s latest endorsement comes as discussions on UN reform and the representation of the Global South gain renewed attention during the 81st UNGA.