French President Emmanuel Macron has strongly endorsed India’s bid for a permanent seat on a reformed United Nations Security Council (UNSC), alongside Germany, Japan, Brazil, and two African nations. Macron’s call for reform comes amid growing global consensus on the need to reshape the UNSC to better reflect current geopolitical realities.
Speaking at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, Macron emphasized that the Security Council, often stymied by conflicting interests, needs to evolve. “Germany, Japan, India, and Brazil should be permanent members, as well as two countries that Africa would designate to represent it. New elected members should also be admitted,” he said. Macron stressed that these changes would make the UN more effective and representative, ensuring it remains relevant in addressing modern global challenges.
Macron also advocated for limiting the use of veto power in cases of mass atrocities and improving the operational capabilities of the UNSC to maintain international peace and security. He expressed hope that these reforms would enhance the council’s decision-making processes.
India’s bid for permanent membership has gained increasing global support. US President Joe Biden reiterated Washington’s backing during a recent bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also called for better representation of developing countries in the council. The push for UNSC reform is seen as urgent by many world leaders, including Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font, who proposed setting a deadline for these reforms by the UN’s 80th anniversary. This growing consensus highlights the need for an updated and more inclusive UNSC that can address contemporary global issues more effectively.