New York, April 18, 2025: India has emerged as a “sure contender” for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) if the body is expanded, according to Philip Sibanda, Chairperson of the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) on UNSC reform. Speaking at an informal General Assembly meeting, Sibanda praised India’s consistent global leadership and its significant contributions to peacekeeping.
Representing Zimbabwe as its Permanent Representative to the UN, Sibanda emphasized the growing support India enjoys among member states. He highlighted India’s democratic credentials and its leadership within the G4 group—comprising India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan—as key indicators of its suitability for a permanent role.
The G4 has long pushed for a reformed Security Council that reflects present-day global dynamics rather than the post-World War II power structure. Despite this momentum, Sibanda admitted that negotiations are still stuck on major issues including veto power, the number of new permanent and non-permanent members, and overall Council expansion.
“We are not yet at the stage of negotiating a unified text,” Sibanda said, while urging member states to show flexibility and seek common ground.
India’s Permanent Mission to the UN welcomed Sibanda’s remarks, reiterating the country’s readiness to shoulder greater global responsibilities. Backed by countries like the US, France, and the UK, India continues to press for reform, arguing that its population size, democratic governance, and peacekeeping track record warrant a permanent seat.
India most recently served on the UNSC as a non-permanent member during 2021–2022 and has participated in over 50 UN peacekeeping missions to date.
