The United Kingdom has joined the chorus of support for India’s bid to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, speaking at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, echoed similar sentiments expressed by US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron earlier. Starmer emphasized the need for the UNSC to adapt and evolve to become more representative of the global landscape. He highlighted the importance of a more effective council, one not paralyzed by political gridlock.
Starmer proposed concrete steps towards this goal, advocating for permanent representation for Africa on the Council, alongside the inclusion of Brazil, India, Japan, and Germany as permanent members. He also called for an increase in seats for elected members.
This support from the UK comes on the heels of similar statements from France and the United States. French President Emmanuel Macron also expressed his strong support for India’s inclusion, arguing that a more representative UNSC would make the organization more effective. He, too, advocated for permanent membership for Germany, Japan, and Brazil, along with two other African nations.
Just last week, during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden voiced his support for India’s permanent membership. Biden emphasized the need for reforming global institutions to reflect India’s rising global influence and its vital voice on the world stage.
The current UNSC structure comprises five permanent members: Russia, the UK, China, France, and the United States, all of whom possess veto power over substantive resolutions. India’s bid for permanent membership, alongside calls for broader reforms, signifies a growing push to modernize the UNSC and ensure its relevance in addressing the complex challenges facing the world today.
