Russia has backed India’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov making the case during his address to the UN General Assembly on Saturday. Lavrov also endorsed Brazil’s candidature for a permanent seat.

“UN Security Council reform cannot involve any additional seats being allocated to Western countries, especially to Germany and Japan,” Lavrov said, according to PTI. He said Moscow favours broader representation for Asia, Africa and Latin America.

The stance puts Russia at odds with Germany and Japan, who are India’s partners in the G4 reform grouping. All four countries met on the sidelines of the assembly this week to push for expanding both permanent and non-permanent categories. Other nations, including Mauritius and Portugal, also voiced support for India’s candidature during the debate.

Why it matters: India has campaigned for a permanent seat for decades, arguing the Council’s structure no longer reflects today’s world. What happens next: reform needs two-thirds backing in the General Assembly and ratification by all five current permanent members.