Russia supports India as permanent UNSC member

Both countries agreed to continue co-operating with a view to strengthening UN's role in global peace

Russia on Monday supported India's case for permanent membership of the UN Security Council even as both countries "agreed that any expansion of the security body should reflect contemporary realities."

"Both sides reaffirmed the need for UN Security Council reform in order to make it more representative and effective in dealing with emerging challenges," said a joint statement after the summit meeting of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"They agreed that any expansion of the Security Council should reflect contemporary realities. In this regard, the Russian Federation reiterated its strong support to India for a permanent seat in a reformed UN Security Council," said the joint statement.

The two countries agreed to work for a fairer global system.

"The sides re-affirmed their desire to build a more stable, secure and fair system of international relations based on equal partnerships between states, the rule of international law and respect for the purposes and principles of the UN Charter," said the statement.

Russia and India also agreed to continue co-operating with a view to strengthening the UN's central role in maintaining global peace and stability and ensuring sustainable social and economic development.