India and Russia Discuss UN Reforms, Counter-Terrorism, and Peacekeeping in Delhi

India and Russia held substantive discussions in Delhi on UN Security Council reforms, counter-terrorism and peacekeeping. The seventh UN Consultation Meeting was held on Tuesday and was co-chaired by the Diplomatic Heads of the two countries. Secretary of the Western Department of the Ministry of External Affairs of India Sibi George and Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Alexander Alimov co-chaired the meeting. Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov and other officials were also present. The discussions focused on counter-terrorism, peacekeeping missions around the world and reform of the UN Security Council. Both sides stressed the need to make the Council more effective and representative in line with the current global situation. Russia has always supported India's claim for permanent membership. According to them, India, Brazil and African countries need to be included as permanent members of the Security Council to ensure representation of a larger part of the world. Earlier in December, during the India-Russia summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin had stressed on the need to adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism in the UN.