Russia once again backs India’s permanent membership at UNSC

Russian Foreign MinisterSergei Lavrov has once again backed India for permanent membership at the United Nations Security Council ( UNSC ) stating that New Delhi has added value to the Council 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 plays an active role in the United Nations as well as a range of integration structures in South Asia within the Shangai Cooperation Organization (SCO), he said.

Previously Lavrov while addressing the 77th United Nations General Assembly in September this year said that the Security Council will be more democratic if countries from Africa, Asia and Latin America are included.

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.

Among the five permanent members of the 15-nation Council, the US, UK, France and Russia have supported a permanent seat for India in the UN body.

Addressing the UN General Assembly plenary meeting on the 'Question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Security Council', Deputy Permanent Representative of France to the UN said that "France's position is constant and well known. We want the Council to be more representative of today's world, in a way that further strengthens its authority and effectiveness."