Luxembourg Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel has voiced strong support for India’s bid for permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council, saying the body must evolve to reflect current geopolitical realities.

During his official visit to India, Bettel questioned why India has not yet been included as a permanent member despite its size, global influence and growing international role.

‘Why Is India Still Not In?’

Bettel argued that India should be part of an expanded Security Council and also supported greater representation for countries such as Brazil.

“If we say now, we need to have 10 members, because for me India belongs. It's for sure,” he said, highlighting India’s importance on the global stage.

Luxembourg Criticises Existing Veto System

Bettel also called for major changes to the Security Council’s veto system. He described the current arrangement as a “relic of the Second World War” and argued that a single country should not be able to indefinitely block decisions supported by the wider international community.

He suggested that a two-thirds majority should be able to override a veto as part of broader Security Council reforms.

According to Bettel, expanding permanent membership should therefore be accompanied by changes to the way veto powers are exercised.

Bettel’s Three-Day India Visit

The remarks came during Bettel’s three-day official visit to India from September 7 to September 9. His itinerary also includes a visit to Chennai, where he is scheduled to engage with IIT Madras.

His comments come amid growing international calls for reform of the UN Security Council, particularly from developing nations and countries representing the Global South.

India Calls for Urgent UNSC Reform

India has consistently pushed for comprehensive reform of the Security Council, arguing that its current structure reflects the geopolitical realities of 1945 rather than those of the modern world.

During a UNSC Open Debate on Working Methods on August 19, India’s Charge d’Affaires at the UN, Yojna Patel, said the need for reform was “more pronounced and pressing than ever before.”

She pointed out that UN membership has increased significantly since 1945 and argued that the composition of the Council should reflect these changes.

India Seeks Greater Global South Representation

India has called for expansion in both the permanent and non-permanent categories of Security Council membership, with stronger representation for developing countries.

Patel reiterated India’s demand for text-based negotiations with clear milestones and timelines, while stressing the need for greater representation of the Global South.

India maintains that a more inclusive and representative Security Council would strengthen the credibility and effectiveness of the United Nations and better reflect contemporary global realities.