Russia Backs India’s UNSC Permanent Seat Bid, Opposes Germany And Japan At UNGA

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov backed India’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council during his address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Saturday, while opposing permanent seats for Germany and Japan. Moscow also called for greater representation of Asia, Africa and Latin America in the Council.

Lavrov said Russia supports expanding the representation of the Global South and specifically endorsed the candidacies of India and Brazil for permanent membership. “We are in favour of broadening the representation of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. We support Brazil's and India's candidatures for a permanent seat,” he said.

However, Russia drew a distinction between India and Brazil and the other two members of the G4 grouping, Germany and Japan. Lavrov said UN Security Council reform should not involve additional permanent seats for Western countries, particularly Germany and Japan, which he accused of being on a path towards “militarism and revanchism”.

Lavrov also said any reform should address the interests of Africa, including proposals associated with the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration. He further stressed that modernising the Council should not dilute the existing powers and prerogatives of its permanent members.

The Russian position comes as several countries voiced support for India’s permanent membership bid during the UN General Assembly. Mauritian Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful said his country supported the positions of the G4 and L69 groups and reiterated Mauritius’ backing for India’s candidature, citing its “constructive role in global affairs”.

Portugal’s Prime Minister Luis Montenegro also called for a more representative Security Council with permanent representation for Africa, Brazil and India. The Marshall Islands, meanwhile, backed the inclusion of the entire G4 — India, Brazil, Germany and Japan — in a reformed Council, highlighting the differing positions among UN members.

The UN Security Council currently has 15 members: five permanent members — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States — with veto power, and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.

Reforming the Council requires an amendment to the UN Charter, involving a two-thirds General Assembly majority and ratification by two-thirds of UN member states, including all five permanent members. Russia has backed expanding permanent membership while insisting that the existing veto structure be retained.

Despite Moscow’s support, the reform process remains unresolved. China, a permanent member and Russia’s strategic partner, has opposed India’s inclusion, while different UN member groups continue to advance competing proposals on representation, permanent membership and veto powers.