UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer advocates for India to become a permanent United Nations Security Council member

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has voiced strong support for India’s push to secure a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), adding to a growing international endorsement for New Delhi.

In his speech at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, Starmer was heard stating, "We want to see permanent African representation on the Council, Brazil, India, Japan and Germany as permanent members, and more seats for elected members as well."

He outlined the importance of reforming the UNSC to make it a more representative body that can effectively address global challenges without political paralysis.


"If we want the system to deliver for the poorest and most vulnerable, then their voices must be heard," he stated. "We need to make the system more representative and responsive to those who need it most. This applies to the Security Council as well; it must evolve to be more willing to act instead of being stalled by political deadlock," said Starmer.


In his speech, Starmer also committed to reshaping the UK's diplomatic approach.

"The UK will move away from the paternalism of the past towards partnership for the future. We will focus on listening more and speaking less, while offering transformative British expertise and collaborating in a spirit of mutual respect."

India at UNSC: Support grows

Starmer's advocacy for India’s inclusion in the UNSC aligns with similar statements made by leaders from both the United States and France.

The current UNSC consists of five permanent members—the United States, China, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom—each holding veto power over key resolutions. In addition, there are ten non-permanent members serving two-year terms.

Starmer said that including nations like India, Brazil, Japan, and Germany as permanent members would enhance the council’s legitimacy and operational effectiveness.

French President Emmanuel Macron recently echoed these sentiments, asserting that an expanded UNSC is vital for enhancing its efficiency and representation. He called for permanent seats for India, Brazil, Japan, and Germany, along with two representatives from Africa.

India: 'Rightfully deserve UNSC membership'

This movement for reform has been supported by US President Joe Biden, who recognised India’s crucial role in global affairs during talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

India has long maintained that it deserves a permanent seat on the UNSC due to its rising geopolitical influence and significant contributions to international peacekeeping. Having last served as a non-permanent member from 2021 to 2022, India continues to advocate for reforms that align with current global realities.

The endorsements from influential nations such as the UK, US, and France mark a pivotal step towards achieving this long-sought goal, as they collectively call for a reformed UNSC that better reflects the dynamics of the modern world.

(With inputs from TOI)