In a major diplomatic boost to India’s long-standing demand for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Tareq Albanai, expressed clear support for India, calling it a “main player on the world stage.”
Albanai, who co-chairs the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) on Security Council reform alongside Austria’s envoy Alex Marschik, was speaking at a press briefing regarding the ongoing discussions on restructuring the UNSC.
“Surely, if the decision is made that the expansion of the Council goes to anywhere from 21 to 27 members, then surely India will be a contender, and will be subject to the decision of the wider membership,” Albanai said.
Reflecting on his visit to India last year, Albanai emphasized that any future reformation must ensure equal representation for all 193 UN member states.
France Reaffirms Support for India’s Bid During UNSC Presidency
Earlier this month, France, currently presiding over the Security Council for April, reiterated its advocacy for UNSC reform that includes India as a permanent member.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the French Embassy in India stated:
“To reflect today’s world, France reiterates the need for a #UNSC reform that also gives India a permanent seat.”
France emphasized that its presidency would focus on critical discussions concerning global peace, security, and the humanitarian impact of conflicts, while reinforcing the importance of reforming the UNSC to better reflect contemporary geopolitical realities.
India’s Case for Permanent Membership
India, representing over 1.4 billion people, has been a consistent voice advocating for UNSC reform to better include developing nations and emerging powers. Its candidature has gained wide support from various nations, particularly those emphasizing multilateralism, South-South cooperation, and a more equitable international order.
Currently, the UNSC has 15 members:
- 5 permanent with veto power: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
- 10 non-permanent members, elected by the UN General Assembly for two-year terms.
India argues that a 21st-century Security Council must reflect current global dynamics, not the post-World War II power structure under which it was originally formed.