At the recently concluded 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), in New York, world leaders expressed strong support for reforming the UN Security Council (UNSC), advocating for the inclusion of G4 nations, including India, as permanent members of the Council.
The G4 nations India, Brazil, Japan, and Germany have been leading contenders for permanent membership at the Council.
Among the four permanent UNSC members who backed India’s bid were United States, Russia, France, and the United Kingdom. China was the only permanent member that did not endorse India’s candidacy.
Additional support came from leaders including Angolan President Manuel Goncalves Lourenco, Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font, Micronesian President Wesley Simina, Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, and Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that reforms are crucial to ensure the Council reflects the realities of today’s world and better represents developing nations.
“United States believes that this should include two permanent seats for Africa, one rotating seat for small island developing states, permanent representation for Latin America and the Caribbean. In addition to the permanent seats for countries, we have long endorsed Germany, Japan, and India,” he added.
Reiterating his support for the expansion of the Council, President of France, Emmanuel Macron said “Germany, Japan, India, Brazil should be permanent members.”
During his address, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, urged the Council to include G4 nations as permanent members.
“We need to make the system more representative. And more responsive to those who need it most. So we will make the case. Not just for fairer outcomes. But fairer representation in how we reach them,” PM Starmer added. “And this also applies to the Security Council. It has to change. To become a more representative body. Willing to act – not paralyzed by politics.”
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, noted “We support our position in favor of the candidacies of Brazil and India.”
He also talked about regional organizations like BRICS comprising of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, for promoting mutually beneficial development, free from the control of the West.
Underscoring Portugal’s support, Prime Minister Montenegro highlighted the “African common position and the aspirations of Brazil and India to become permanent members.”
Calling India as “closest friend and neighbor,” Prime Minister Tobgay, expressed “They [India] have been with us from the very beginning of our development journey, and have remained steadfast in their support and friendship.”
President Lourenço emphasized the urgent need for reforms in the Council and international financial institutions established under the Bretton Woods system. He highlighted that these changes are crucial to ensure representation for countries in the Global South, particularly in Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent.
President Font proposed setting a deadline for these reforms, suggesting that by the UN’s 80th anniversary, the Security Council should be reformed to reflect modern realities. He advocated for the inclusion of Brazil from Latin America, India, and at least one African nation.
President Simina also called for the expansion of permanent membership in the Security Council, recommending the inclusion of Japan, India, Germany, Brazil, and a representative from Africa.
Commending India for being a leading voice of the Global South, Foreign Minister Ryzhenkov pointed out, “Our multipolarity and diversity in 21st century,” as vital for the world.
