Seychelles Foreign Minister Endorses India's UNSC Bid
Seychelles Foreign Minister Barry Faure has officially backed India's candidacy for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), emphasizing that New Delhi merits inclusion in the top decision-making forum due to its large population, international influence, and significant contributions to global peace and maritime security.
Speaking to ANI ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day state visit to the East African island nation, Faure stressed that the current global order and international institutions require reforms to better reflect contemporary realities. He argued for greater representation for countries and regions that remain underrepresented.
Need for Reform in Global Institutions
"The global order established in 1945 needs reform. International institutions must better reflect today's realities. There is a strong need for more balanced representation, particularly for countries like India and regions like Africa, which currently lack permanent representation in key global institutions," Faure stated.
"India deserves a permanent seat at the UN Security Council given its population, global role, and contributions to peacekeeping, maritime security, and multilateral diplomacy," the Seychelles Foreign Minister added.
Seychelles Supports India's Inclusion for Global Balance
Faure confirmed that Seychelles supports India's bid for a permanent UNSC seat, asserting that India's inclusion would contribute to greater balance and stability in global affairs. "Seychelles supports this position. India has also played a strong role in the Non-Aligned Movement, and its inclusion would strengthen global balance and peace," he said.
India-Seychelles Relations: A Strategic Partnership
Discussing bilateral ties, Faure described the India-Seychelles relationship as "excellent," tracing its foundation to Seychelles' independence in 1976. "This is an excellent relationship. It started from independence in 1976, forming the foundation of formal relations," he said.
The Foreign Minister noted that the partnership has evolved into a "very solid and stable partnership" with strategic importance for both nations. "It is a strategic partnership between the two countries. We are very happy that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has chosen to visit Seychelles. He usually undertakes multi-country tours, but we are honoured that he is coming here as the Guest of Honour to celebrate the jubilee of our independence as well as the establishment of diplomatic relations," Faure added.
India as a Key Partner Amidst Diverse Relations
Highlighting India's role as a key partner, Faure said Seychelles continues to maintain relations with all nations that respect its sovereignty and independence. "India is one of our closest partners, but we continue to maintain relations with all countries that respect our sovereignty and independence," he emphasized.
Faure's remarks come as Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a two-day State Visit to Seychelles to participate in the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the country's National Day as the Guest of Honour. The visit aims to further strengthen the longstanding ties between the two countries.
India has repeatedly called for reforms in multilateral forums, noting the changed geopolitical scenario since the UNSC's inception.
