Russia backs India and Brazil for permanent Security Council seats

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Russia supports permanent seats on the UN Security Council for India and Brazil, while opposing additional permanent seats for Western countries, particularly Germany and Japan. He made the statements during the general debate of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 26, setting out Moscow’s position as countries renewed calls to reform the Council. Lavrov said reform should broaden representation for Asia, Africa and Latin America and address the interests of the African continent. He also said changes should preserve the prerogatives of the Council’s permanent members. His remarks expressed Russia’s diplomatic stance; they did not establish an agreed reform plan or alter the Council’s membership. Mauritius also voiced support for India’s candidacy. Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful said his country backed the positions of the G4 and L69 groups on reform and reiterated support for India becoming a permanent member. The G4 consists of India, Brazil, Germany and Japan, whose members have jointly sought permanent seats. Other statements at the General Assembly reflected a range of views on representation.