India’s long-standing campaign for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has received fresh support from American economist Jeffrey Sachs, who said no other country has a stronger claim than India to become a new permanent member. His comments came shortly after BRICS leaders backed the aspirations of India and Brazil to play a greater role in the United Nations, including the Security Council.
Jeffrey Sachs Supports India’s UNSC Bid
Speaking during discussions around the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Sachs highlighted India’s population, economic strength, international influence and diplomatic role as key reasons supporting its candidature.
Sachs described India as the world’s most populous country and a major global power. He also pointed to India’s economic position, noting that it is among the world’s largest economies on a purchasing-power-parity basis and continues to grow rapidly.
The economist also praised India’s diplomatic engagement, citing its role in hosting the BRICS summit and its earlier leadership of the G20. According to Sachs, India’s participation in the Security Council would strengthen global multilateralism and give greater representation to emerging powers.
BRICS Backs India and Brazil
The development follows the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration 2026 at the BRICS summit. China and Russia, both permanent members of the UNSC, reiterated their support for the aspirations of India and Brazil to play a greater role in the UN, including its Security Council.
BRICS leaders also called for reforms that would make the Security Council more democratic, representative, effective and responsive to the interests of developing countries. The declaration emphasised the need for a stronger voice for the Global South in international institutions.
Sachs Urges China to Support India
Sachs also called on China to support India’s permanent membership bid, arguing that cooperation between the two Asian powers could contribute to a more multipolar global order.
He has previously advocated closer cooperation between New Delhi and Beijing and argued that both countries could play an important role in strengthening multilateral institutions.
What Is India’s UNSC Claim?
The UNSC currently has 15 members, including five permanent members — the United States, Russia, China, France and the United Kingdom — and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.
India has consistently argued that the Council’s current structure does not adequately reflect today’s global political, economic and demographic realities. Its supporters point to India’s population, economic influence, democratic credentials, diplomatic reach and contribution to UN peacekeeping as major reasons for permanent membership.
However, gaining a permanent seat would require broad international agreement and changes to the UN Charter. BRICS backing therefore represents an important diplomatic boost, but it does not by itself guarantee UNSC reform