Kuwait has voiced strong support for India’s inclusion as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), calling India a “main player on the world stage.” The endorsement came from Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to the UN and Co-Chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) on UNSC reform, Tareq Albanai.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday regarding the status of negotiations on Security Council reform, Albanai emphasized the importance of making the Council more representative. He highlighted his visit to India with fellow co-chair Axel Marschik of Austria, where discussions were held at the highest levels.
Albanai said, “The goal of a reformed Council must be to ensure it is representative. India is undeniably a major global player today. If the expansion of the Council proceeds — whether to 21 or 27 members — India would certainly be a strong contender, subject to the collective decision of the 193 UN member states.”
This backing adds to the growing international momentum behind India’s longstanding demand for a permanent seat on the Council — a move aimed at giving greater voice to the Global South in global decision-making.
Earlier this month, France also reiterated its support for India’s bid. As France assumed the monthly presidency of the Security Council, its embassy in India emphasized the need for reform and highlighted India’s rightful place at the high table. “To reflect today’s world, France reiterates the need for a UNSC reform that also gives India a permanent seat,” the embassy posted on X.
Currently, the UNSC consists of 15 members — five permanent members with veto power (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. India has consistently argued that this structure no longer reflects the geopolitical realities of the 21st century.
