New Delhi: China has voiced support for a successful BRICS Summit in India and stated that it “understands and respects” India’s aspiration to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), marking a notable shift from Beijing’s earlier reluctance on the issue.
The assurance came from Ma Zhaoxu, Executive Vice Foreign Minister of China, during a Strategic Dialogue held in New Delhi on 10 February with India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Ma was in India from 8–10 February to attend the BRICS Sherpa Meeting.
According to an official statement from the Ministry of External Affairs, “The Chinese side expressed its support for a successful BRICS Summit in India. EVFM Ma Zhaoxu also conveyed that China understands and respects India’s aspirations for UNSC membership.”
This declaration assumes significance in light of China’s earlier position. When India formally pursued permanent membership in 2022, Beijing was the only permanent UNSC member that did not extend bilateral support. Responding to a Lok Sabha query on 22 July 2022, then Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan confirmed that four of the five permanent members had officially backed India’s candidature.
The United Nations Security Council consists of five permanent members and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the UN General Assembly. The permanent five, China, France, Russia, United Kingdom and United States, hold veto power over all resolutions. Russia formally endorsed India’s bid in September 2022, followed by France and the United Kingdom in December of the same year. Besides India, Brazil, Germany, Japan and South Africa are also considered leading contenders for expanded permanent representation.
In April 2024, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar described India’s eventual entry into the UNSC as “inevitable,” citing growing international momentum. He remarked that global opinion increasingly favours reform of the current five-member structure, adding that while India’s inclusion is certain, sustained diplomatic effort will be essential.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held the India-China Strategic Dialogue with Executive Vice Foreign Minister of China Ma Zhaoxu, who is in India to participate in the BRICS Sherpa Meeting.
Both sides reviewed the positive momentum in bilateral relations and discussed ways to… pic.twitter.com/ZlON9Cq88G
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) February 10, 2026
Strategic dialogue focuses on bilateral stability
The India–China Strategic Dialogue on 10 February also addressed broader bilateral and regional issues. Both sides emphasised that peace and tranquillity along the border remain critical for the overall advancement of relations, reports say. As per the MEA, discussions covered a wide range of bilateral, regional and international matters, with particular attention on recent steps taken to stabilise ties and rebuild engagement. The two countries reiterated their commitment to implement guidance from their respective leaderships, agreeing that sensitive issues, especially trade-related concerns, should be approached from a political and strategic perspective. Misri highlighted the successful resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and expressed hope for its further expansion. India and China also acknowledged the need to finalise an updated Air Services Agreement and committed to continuing practical measures to streamline visa processing and enhance people-to-people exchanges.
Multilateral cooperation featured prominently in the talks, including coordination during India’s chairmanship of BRICS this year. Both sides agreed to maintain dialogue and pursue incremental confidence-building steps aimed at strengthening engagement across diplomatic, economic and cultural domains.
