WATCH: Macron Backs India’s Bid For Permanent Seat In Reformed UN Security Council At UNGA

During his address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday, French President Emmanuel Macron voiced strong support for India’s inclusion as a permanent member in a reformed UN Security Council (UNSC).

Macron also backed the inclusion of Brazil, Germany, Japan, and two African nations as permanent members.

Speaking at the UNGA in New York, Macron emphasized the need to make the United Nations more efficient and representative.

“Germany, Japan, India, and Brazil should be permanent members, along with two countries from Africa that will represent the continent,” Macron said, stressing the importance of expanding the UNSC.

What Is the UN Security Council?

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the six principal organs of the UN, tasked with maintaining international peace and security.

It currently comprises 15 members: five permanent members (United States, China, Russia, France, and the United Kingdom) with veto power and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. The UNSC plays a pivotal role in resolving global conflicts, imposing sanctions, and authorizing military action.

Why Are UNSC Reforms Urgent?

Calls for reforming the UNSC have intensified, with many nations arguing for more equitable representation.

The push for reform has gained momentum as global conflicts have increased, and the Council’s failure to pass resolutions, such as halting the Russia-Ukraine war, has drawn criticism.

The veto power held by the five permanent members has been viewed as an outdated privilege, with some member states, including Iran, questioning its legitimacy under the UN Charter.

Reform discussions, particularly expanding both the permanent and non-permanent membership categories, have been ongoing for years.

The UN General Assembly in November 2022 agreed on the need to modernize the 15-member Council to ensure the UN remains relevant in addressing today’s geopolitical realities.

India’s Bid for a Permanent Seat

India’s longstanding bid for a permanent seat on the UNSC has gained support from key global players, including the United States.

However, China has consistently opposed India’s inclusion. India, a member of the G4 (along with Brazil, Germany, and Japan), has been advocating for the expansion of the UNSC to reflect current geopolitical dynamics.

French President Macron’s endorsement of India’s bid comes shortly after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged for reforms at the UN stage.

In his recent speech at the UN, Modi called for reformed multilateral platforms, stressing that the future relevance of UN institutions depends on the speed of reform—an implicit nod to India’s UNSC bid.

Global Push for UNSC Reforms

The call for reform was echoed by Quad leaders during their recent summit. In a joint statement, they emphasized the urgent need for a more inclusive and representative UNSC, advocating for its expansion to include permanent members from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

The Quad leaders agreed that the Council must be reformed to be more democratic, transparent, and effective.

Macron’s support, along with growing international consensus, adds significant weight to the debate surrounding UNSC reform, particularly for India’s inclusion as a permanent member, marking a key moment in the ongoing efforts to modernize global governance structures.