UK Backs India for Permanent UNSC Seat

Support for India’s permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is gaining momentum. On Thursday, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his backing for India’s inclusion as a permanent member of the UNSC during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. He emphasized the need for the Security Council to become a more representative body, ready to act and not be paralysed by political differences.

This statement from the UK Prime Minister comes after US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron also voiced their support for India’s permanent seat in the Security Council. Now, the UK has joined the call for India’s inclusion.

Prime Minister Starmer also advocated for permanent representation for Africa on the Council and supported Brazil, India, Japan, and Germany becoming permanent members. He called for more seats for elected members as well.

Earlier on Wednesday, French President Emmanuel Macron endorsed India’s permanent membership in the UNSC, stating that the Council needs to be more inclusive and representative. Macron also supported the membership of Brazil, Japan, Germany, and two African nations. He stressed, “Let’s make the UN more efficient. We need to make it more representative, and that’s why France is in favour of expanding the Security Council.”

Last week, US President Joe Biden reiterated his support for India’s permanent seat on the Security Council. During the Quad Leaders’ Summit, Biden highlighted the need for comprehensive reforms within the UN body.

Currently, the UN Security Council consists of five permanent members and 10 non-permanent members. The non-permanent members are elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly, while the permanent members—Russia, the United Kingdom, China, France, and the United States—hold veto power over substantive resolutions.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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