Russia reiterated its support for India’s bid for a permanent seat on a reformed United Nations Security Council during the 13th meeting of the India-Russia joint working group (JWG) on counter-terrorism cooperation held in Moscow on December 19 and 20.
Both the nations also agreed to bolster joint efforts in combating radicalisation and terror financing during the meeting.
“In the 13th JWG on counter-terrorism, both sides shared their experiences in countering terrorism, including cross-border terrorism and extremism, and agreed to enhance cooperation to address problems of radicalisation as well as terror financing,” the MEA said in a statement.
Discussions also focused on current global and regional terrorist threats and the misuse of emerging technologies for terrorist purposes.
Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West) in the MEA, led the Indian delegation during the JWG on counter-terrorism cooperation and the UN-related consultations. The Russian delegation was headed by Sergey Vershinin, deputy minister of foreign affairs of the Russian Federation, with representatives from various departments and agencies of both nations participating in the meetings.
On December 19, Lal also met with Russian deputy foreign minister Mikhail Galuzin to discuss pressing international and regional issues, including the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Russia’s reaffirmation of support for India’s permanent membership in the UNSC follows similar endorsements from global leaders. Earlier this year, UK Labour Party leader Keir Starmer voiced support for India’s bid, aligning with statements from US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Macron, advocating for an expanded UNSC, called for permanent seats for India, Brazil, Japan, Germany, and two representatives from Africa to improve efficiency and representation.
Currently, the UNSC comprises five permanent members — the United States, China, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom — who wield veto power. Ten non-permanent members are elected for two-year terms.
India, which served as a non-permanent member from 2021 to 2022, continues to argue that its growing geopolitical influence and contributions to global peacekeeping efforts make it deserving of permanent membership.