France Backs India's Bid for Permanent UNSC Seat at UNGA

NEW YORK: In a boost for India’s UNSC ambition, French President Emmanuel Macron made a powerful case for India’s permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) during his speech at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). President Macron’s endorsement of India, along with Germany, Japan, Brazil, and two African countries yet to be designated, marks an important moment in the long-standing debate over reforming the UNSC to reflect contemporary global realities. Macron emphasized the need for an expanded and
more inclusive Security Council, stating, France is in favor of the Security Council being expanded. Germany, Japan, India, and Brazil should become permanent members, as well as two countries that Africa would designate to represent it. Macron’s push comes at a time when the effectiveness of the UNSC has been recent global crises such as the war in Ukraine and tensions in Gaza underscoring the Council’s struggles to fulfill its mandate of maintaining international peace. The current five permanent members—China, France, Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom—hold veto power, often leading to deadlocks on crucial issues. Macron went a step further by calling for a limitation on the use of veto in cases of mass atrocities, signaling France’s commitment to a more accountable and responsive UNSC. India’s quest for a permanent seat at the UNSC is not new. It has consistently advocated for a reform that would allow greater representation for developing nations, particularly from the Global South. With growing support from key global players, India’s bid is gaining traction. Macron’s endorsement is part of
a broader movement by several nations recognizing the need to reflect the modern geopolitical landscape. The time has come to regain efficiency in order to act better on the ground, Macron
remarked, emphasizing that the reform of the UNSC is not just about expansion but about improving its operational decision- making. India’s campaign for a permanent seat received further backing during the UNGA from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who echoed Macron’s sentiments. Blinken reaffirmed that the United States has long endorsed permanent seats for
India, Germany, and Japan, and emphasized the need for representation from Africa and other regions to make the UNSC more reflective of today’s world. Speaking at the Summit of the Future, Blinken said, “The United States supports starting negotiations on Council reforms immediately, underscoring Washington’s commitment to making the UNSC more representative and effective.

This growing momentum was also highlighted by Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who has been a vocal advocate for reforming global governance institutions. Addressing the
G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting on the sidelines of UNGA, Jaishankar reiterated that the UNSC’s current structure no longer reflects the global order, stating, “The UN remains a prisoner of
the past. As a result, the Security Council struggles to fulfill its mandate of maintaining international peace and stability, undermining its effectiveness and credibility. India’s position as a strong contender for permanent UNSC membership has been bolstered by its contributions to international peacekeeping, its role as the world’s largest democracy, and its growing economic and geopolitical influence. The Quad nations—comprising the U.S., India, Japan, and Australia—recently reiterated their support for UNSC reform during their sixth summit, further reinforcing the
idea that India’s inclusion would enhance the Council’s legitimacy. The road ahead, however, remains challenging. While key nations like France, the U.S., and the U.K. have expressed support, China remains the most significant obstacle, having consistently opposed India’s inclusion. Nevertheless, with growing calls from leaders across the globe and an increased sense of urgency, India’s chances seem brighter than ever.
(Kartike Garg contributed inputs for this article)

Author Profile

India Writes Network: India Writes Network (www.indiawrites.org) is an emerging think tank and a media-publishing company focused on international affairs & the India Story. Centre for Global India Insights is the research arm of India Writes Network. To subscribe to India and the World, write to editor@indiawrites.org. A venture of TGII Media Private Limited, a leading media, publishing and consultancy company, IWN has carved a niche for balanced and exhaustive reporting and analysis of international affairs. Eminent personalities, politicians, diplomats, authors, strategy gurus and news-makers have contributed to India Writes Network, as also “India and the World,” a magazine focused on global affairs.