Russia cites India’s ‘reputation’, ‘authority’ to back permanent UNSC membership

Russia foreign minister Sergey Lavrov again backed India for permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council citing its economic growth and the value it brings to the high table with its stance on global and regional issues.

“I think that India is currently one of the leading countries in terms of economic growth, maybe even the leader. Its population will soon be bigger than that of any other country. New Delhi has vast diplomatic experience in settling various kinds of problems, as well as authority and a reputation in its region,” Lavrov said.

“India is part of a range of integration structures in South Asia within SCO and it takes an active role in United Nations. India is a country that not only aspires to be but is at the essence of the forming of a multipolar world as one of its most important poles,” he added.

Lavrov made these remarks while responding to media queries at the Primakov Readings International Forum in Moscow on December 7.

India has been pushing for reforms at UN Security Council for equitable representation. Delivering a joint statement on behalf of G4 countries at the UN General Assembly last month, Ruchira Kamboj, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, said that “longer the reform is stalled, the greater its deficit in representation.”

G4 countries – Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan – support each other’s bids for permanent seats on the Council.

India and Brazil have been promoting their applications to join UN Security Council together with Japan and Germany, which is a sign of multipolarity, the Russian foreign minister said.

“We see what added value India and Brazil can bring to UNSC knowing their stances on global & regional issues,” Lavrov said.