At the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated Russia's support for India's bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council (UNSC). He emphasized the necessity of expanding representation for the "Global South" within the UNSC to establish a fairer global order.

Here are some top quotes and key takeaways from Lavrov's address:

• On UNSC Expansion: "A fairer world order undoubtedly requires the expansion of the representation of the Global South in the UN Security Council". Lavrov has expressed opposition to adding Western countries to the UN governing body because they are "overrepresented".
• On India's Candidacy: Lavrov has stated that Russia sees India as a "key international actor" and a "worthy candidate for permanent membership within the Council". He mentioned that India needs near-unanimous support from the UN General Assembly to secure a permanent Security Council membership.
• On Multipolarity: Lavrov's statements align with the broader Russia-India strategic partnership, which seeks to promote a multipolar global order. Both countries coordinate in forums like BRICS, SCO, and G20 to achieve this goal.
• On the West: Lavrov accused the West of undermining confidence by creating narrow formats that are subordinate to it to resolve subsidiary issues such as internet governance and artificial intelligence. He also stated that the dollar, which was advertised as the heritage of all humanity, has been transformed into a weapon.
• On Global Security: Lavrov stated that security can either be equal and indivisible for all, or it won't be for anyone. He added that Russia has been trying to impart this simple truth to Washington, London and Brussels for years, but they are obsessed with their complexes of their own exceptionalism and impunity.
• On Diplomacy and Negotiations: Lavrov said that problems affecting the future of all humanity must be considered on a universal basis without discrimination, with honest negotiation involving all members of the UN.

Russia has consistently supported India's candidacy for a permanent seat in the UNSC. In July 2024, Lavrov stated that Russia's support for India, Brazil, and the African Group remains steadfast. He also expressed his opposition to adding Western countries to the UN governing body because they are "overrepresented".

India has been a non-permanent member of the UNSC eight times, with its most recent term lasting from 2021 to 2022. During this period, India advocated for issues such as climate action, counter-terrorism, and sustainable development.

The relationship between India and Russia remains strong, characterized by a "special and privileged strategic partnership". In April 2025, the two countries celebrated 78 years of diplomatic ties. Despite geopolitical pressures and challenges related to payment mechanisms and defense equipment delays, the India-Russia relationship has adapted and deepened, with increasing cooperation in areas like trade, technology, and defense. Bilateral trade has surged, with India importing crude oil, coal, and fertilizers from Russia, and exporting pharmaceuticals, electronics, and iron and steel.

Recently, President Vladimir Putin praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "independent" policy and India's high economic growth rates. He also emphasized Modi's personal contribution to strengthening the partnership between the two countries.