In a strong diplomatic endorsement, Panama’s Foreign Minister Javier Martinez Acha has expressed support for India’s permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Speaking during a meeting with an All-Party Parliamentary Delegation from India led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, Acha emphasized Panama’s belief in India’s rightful place on the global stage.
“It is not the first time that I say this, but probably it is the first time that you hear this. I have said publicly that India deserves to be in the Security Council of the United Nations,” Acha stated, underscoring Panama’s commitment to UNSC reform.
The UNSC currently has five permanent members — China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US — with veto powers. India, supported by several nations including most P5 members, has long been campaigning for a permanent seat in an expanded and reformed Security Council.
In November last year, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar reiterated India’s top priority on this issue in a written Rajya Sabha reply. He noted India’s active participation in the G4 Group (India, Japan, Brazil, Germany) and L.69 Group (developing nations from Asia, Africa, Latin America) to push for UNSC reforms. India continues to engage extensively with countries from the Global South to build consensus.
Minister Acha lauded India-Panama bilateral relations, saying, “The relationship between Panama and India is rooted in mutual respect. Shared democratic values and a common vision for prosperity, peace and inclusive growth.” He highlighted cooperation in trade, investment, maritime collaboration, education, health, and renewable energy.
Calling India “the biggest democracy in the world”, Acha welcomed the Indian delegation, saying their visit “marks a new chapter in our shared journey for cooperation, development and mutual understanding.”
Earlier, the Indian delegation met with Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino at the Presidential House, further solidifying diplomatic ties.
The cross-party Indian delegation includes MPs from multiple parties:
- Shambhavi Chaudhary (Lok Janshakti Party)
- Sarfaraz Ahmed (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha)
- G M Harish Balayogi (TDP)
- Shashank Mani Tripathi, Tejaswi Surya, Bhubaneswar Kalita (BJP)
- Mallikarjun Devda (Shiv Sena)
- Milind Deora (Shiv Sena)
- Former Indian Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu
As India’s global influence continues to grow, the Panama endorsement marks another step forward in New Delhi’s long-standing campaign for a permanent seat in the UN’s most powerful decision-making body.