India’s campaign for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council has received fresh support at the UN General Assembly, with Portugal and Mauritius explicitly backing New Delhi’s bid.
The endorsements came during the 81st General Assembly debate at the UN headquarters in New York, amid broader calls for reforming the Security Council to better reflect current regional and political realities.
Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro called for a more representative Security Council, including permanent membership for India.
Mauritian Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful offered a direct endorsement in his address yesterday, saying Mauritius reiterated its support for India’s candidature for a permanent seat in recognition of its constructive role in global affairs.
Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine also expressed indirect support for India through the G4 grouping, comprising India, Brazil, Germany and Japan.
The Council currently has five permanent members with veto power – China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States – along with 10 elected members serving two-year terms.
Any change to the Council’s composition requires approval by two-thirds of the General Assembly and ratification by two-thirds of UN member states, including all five permanent members.
