In a significant diplomatic development, Russia has reiterated its strong support for India’s bid to secure a permanent seat on a reformed United Nations Security Council (UNSC). This statement of backing came during the 13th India-Russia Joint Working Group (JWG) on Counter-Terrorism Cooperation, held in Moscow on December 19 and 20, 2024.
The meeting, which focused on enhancing counter-terrorism collaboration, saw both countries agreeing to strengthen their joint efforts in combating radicalisation and terror financing. India and Russia shared their experiences in tackling terrorism, especially cross-border terrorism and extremism, and explored ways to bolster cooperation to address emerging threats.
“In the 13th JWG on counter-terrorism, both sides shared their experiences in countering terrorism, including cross-border terrorism and extremism, and agreed to enhance cooperation to address problems of radicalisation as well as terror financing,” said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement.
The discussions also covered the current global and regional terrorist threats, with particular emphasis on the misuse of emerging technologies by terrorist groups.
Key Delegations and Focus on Global Security Challenges
Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, led the Indian delegation during the JWG on Counter-Terrorism Cooperation and consultations on UNSC reform. Sergey Vershinin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, led the Russian team, with representatives from multiple departments and agencies of both nations participating in the important talks.
On December 19, Lal also met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin to discuss other pressing international and regional issues, including the ongoing Ukraine conflict. These discussions highlighted the growing collaboration between India and Russia in addressing global security challenges.
Global Support for India’s UNSC Membership
Russia’s reaffirmation of its support for India’s permanent membership in the UNSC aligns with recent endorsements from key global leaders. In 2024, UK Labour Party leader Keir Starmer expressed his backing for India’s UNSC bid, joining US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron in advocating for an expanded and more representative Security Council.
Macron, in particular, has called for permanent seats for India, Brazil, Japan, Germany, and two African representatives, stating that such an expansion would improve the efficiency and inclusivity of the UNSC. Currently, the UNSC consists of five permanent members—the United States, China, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom—who possess veto power, alongside ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.
India, which served as a non-permanent member of the UNSC from 2021 to 2022, continues to argue that its growing geopolitical influence and significant contributions to global peacekeeping make it a deserving candidate for permanent membership.
India’s Role in Global Peacekeeping
India’s active role in maintaining global peace and security through contributions to peacekeeping operations and its leadership in international forums underscores its qualification for a permanent UNSC seat. With a growing influence in global affairs, India’s call for a permanent seat in the UNSC is gaining increasing traction from nations committed to reforming the world’s foremost security body.
This diplomatic endorsement from Russia marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to reform the UNSC and ensure it better reflects the geopolitical realities of the 21st century. As global threats evolve, the need for a more inclusive and representative Security Council has never been more urgent.
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