French President Emmanuel Macron expressed France’s endorsement of India’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) during his speech at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). He stated that the current Security Council, which often operates based on individual interests, struggles to advance effectively. Macron emphasized the importance of reforming the UN to enhance its representativeness, arguing that this is essential for the organization’s effectiveness.
Macron reiterated France’s support for expanding the Security Council to include Germany, Japan, India, and Brazil as permanent members, alongside two African nations to represent the continent.
India has long sought a permanent seat on the UNSC to better reflect the interests of developing countries, and its campaign has garnered increasing international support. The UNSC consists of 15 member states, including five permanent members with veto power—China, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and the United States—and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the UNGA.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also addressed the UNGA, calling for necessary reforms in global institutions, referring to them as vital for maintaining relevance. He noted the African Union’s inclusion as a permanent member of the G20 as a significant step forward.
PM Modi expressed India’s readiness to share its successful development experiences with the Global South, emphasizing that collective strength is essential for humanity’s success, not conflict. He highlighted India’s achievement in lifting 250 million people out of poverty as proof that sustainable development can be effective. He stressed the importance of a human-centric approach to global issues, prioritizing sustainable development and ensuring food and health security.
