Russia strongly supported India's candidature
During the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has openly and strongly supported India's claim for permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Lavrov has strongly advocated for greater representation of Asia, Africa and Latin America in the Security Council, in which he has prominently supported the names of India and Brazil. This big statement of Russia has come at a time when India has been continuously raising the demand for major reforms in the United Nations for a long time through many other forums of the world such as BRICS and G4.
Russia's tough stance towards Germany and Japan
While talking about the issue of restructuring of the Security Council and veto power, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has made a very sharp attack on the Western countries. He bluntly said that any reform should absolutely not include more seats for Western countries. Lavrov clearly said that he is in favor of increasing the representation of Asia, Africa and Latin America and supports the candidature of Brazil and India for permanent seats. But in the name of Security Council reform, no additional seats should be given to Western countries, especially Germany and Japan, who are now moving on the old path of militarism and vengeance. Lavrov further added that in any reform process, it is very important to take full account of the aspirations and interests of the Global South and especially the African continent.
Mauritius, Portugal and other countries also supported
Apart from Russia, many other countries of the world have also openly supported India's claim for permanent membership in the Security Council from the big platform of the General Assembly. Mauritius Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful said he supports the G4 and L69 stance on Security Council reforms and reiterates India's full support to its candidature for a permanent seat in UNSAC, given its constructive role in global affairs. Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro also made a strong demand for permanent representation for India, Brazil and Africa to make the Security Council more representative. Marshall Islands President Hilda Henne supported the candidature of the G4 group i.e. India, Japan, Brazil and Germany. At the same time, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takachi also made a big call for immediate reform of the Security Council without any delay in view of the current realities of the international community.
What is the current structure and rules of UNSAC?
At present, the UN Security Council includes a total of 5 permanent member countries (China, France, Russia, Britain and America), which have great power of veto power. Apart from this, there are also 10 temporary member countries in the council, whose tenure is only 2 years. To make any kind of permanent change in this structure of the Security Council, a two-thirds majority is strictly required in the United Nations General Assembly i.e. UNGA. Apart from this, it is also necessary to have the support of that law or proposal from two-thirds of the member countries. Above all, the most important thing is that it is absolutely mandatory to have mutual consensus of the five permanent members i.e. P5 countries.