India (Commonwealth Union)_ Joining the growing call for reforms within the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Belarusian Foreign Minister Sergei Aleinik, presently visiting India, affirmed Minsk’s backing for India’s aspiration to secure a permanent seat in the global organization. During a press briefing held in the capital city, the Belarusian Foreign Minister emphasized the pressing need for reforms within the UNSC, stating that Belarus recognizes the imperative for UNSC reforms and that the discussion is ongoing within the UN, especially given the precarious global situation.
Aleinik stated, “We (Belarus) also discussed this issue and are convinced that UNSC reforms should be facilitated. It is a long-lasting issue which is being discussed within the UN, taking into account the very fragile situation in the world today.” Aleinik further noted that they reiterated their stance during the 78th Session of the General Assembly, affirming their support for India’s bid to join the Security Council. He added, “We also expressed ourselves during the 78th Session of the General Assembly and in our official statement during the 78 Session of the General Assembly, we made it very clear that we would support the accession of India to the Security Council”.
Reflecting on his discussions with Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, Aleinik remarked that they both share a vision for a more equitable, just, and multipolar global order. He added that their common ground extends to fundamental principles of international relations, emphasizing state equality and the balance of national interests. Touching upon bilateral cooperation within organizations like the SCO and BRICS, Aleinik acknowledged India’s support for Belarus’s full membership in the SCO, noting discussions on Belarus’s potential inclusion in BRICS during talks with Minister Jaishankar.
Further, Aleinik highlighted India’s significant role in supporting Belarus’s aspirations within international forums, particularly citing India’s prompt ratification of Belarus’s SCO accession memorandum. The two leaders also explored regional and global concerns, underscoring their commitment to elevate bilateral ties between India and Belarus to a strategic partnership level. Regarding Belarus’s bid for full-fledged membership in BRICS, Aleinik expressed optimism for favorable outcomes during the upcoming summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, scheduled for October this year.
Additionally, minister Jaishankar also engaged in bilateral discussions with his Belarusian counterpart, focusing on various aspects of bilateral relations, including defense cooperation and developmental partnerships. Further, the Belarusian Foreign Minister also convened meetings with key leaders and ministers to bolster bilateral cooperation across diverse sectors. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Aleinik’s India visit marks a brief yet significant diplomatic mission to India. Previously, Jaishankar and his Belarusian counterpart convened in Kampala, Uganda, on January 19, during the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit, discussing developments related to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
India has been a strong advocate for UN reform, particularly within the UNSC, emphasizing the need for greater representation and responsiveness to contemporary global realities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always championed UN reform, advocating for a more inclusive and adaptive approach to address the challenges of the 21st century. He underscored the importance of international institutions in maintaining a fair and rules-based global order amidst a multipolar world.
Presently, the UNSC comprises five permanent members and ten non-permanent members, with calls for an expansion to better reflect the current global landscape. Among the five permanent members (USA, UK, Russia, China, and France), the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Russia have voiced support for India’s bid for a permanent seat in the UNSC. Additionally, other nations, including Australia, Canada, Egypt, Turkey, Bangladesh, African Union, Greece, Malaysia, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, Ukraine, and more, have also openly endorsed India’s permanent UNSC membership. India, along with other nations like Brazil, South Africa, Germany, and Japan, remains a strong contender for permanent membership, seeking to contribute significantly to global peace and security.
