UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his support for India’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, following a similar endorsement from French President Emmanuel Macron.
Speaking in New York, Starmer stated, “The Security Council must evolve into a more representative body, ready to act—not paralyzed by politics.” He advocated for permanent African representation and permanent seats for Brazil, India, Japan, and Germany, along with more seats for elected members.
India has been at the forefront of calls for urgent reforms of the UNSC, arguing that the 15-member council, established in 1945, is outdated and does not reflect the current global geopolitical landscape. India last served as a non-permanent member from 2021 to 2022, and there is growing demand to expand permanent membership to align with today’s realities.
French President Emmanuel Macron has also backed India’s bid for a permanent UNSC seat, emphasizing the need for a more representative and effective UN. Macron stated, “The Security Council is blocked… Let’s make the UN more efficient and representative,” advocating for permanent seats for Germany, Japan, India, Brazil, and two African nations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also highlighted the need for institutional reforms during the ‘Summit of the Future,’ stressing that such changes are vital for global peace and development. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres echoed these sentiments, warning that the UNSC’s outdated structure and eroding authority risk its credibility unless reforms are enacted.
The UNSC currently consists of 15 members: five permanent members with veto power (the United States, China, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom) and ten non-permanent members serving two-year terms. Its main roles include conflict resolution, peacekeeping, and sanctions enforcement, making it a cornerstone of international diplomacy.
