British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has joined the growing international chorus advocating for India’s permanent membership in a reformed United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Addressing the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York, Starmer emphasized the need for a more inclusive and representative UNSC that reflects the contemporary global reality.

In his speech, Starmer stressed the importance of reforming global governance systems, particularly the UNSC, to ensure that "the voices of the poorest and most vulnerable" are heard. He called for the inclusion of India, Brazil, Germany, Japan, and permanent African representation in the restructured Security Council.

"We want to see permanent African representation on the Council, Brazil, India, Japan, and Germany as permanent members, and more seats for elected members," Starmer said.

A Growing International Consensus

Starmer’s endorsement follows similar remarks from US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron. Both leaders, during their own addresses to the UN General Assembly, have expressed support for India’s bid to become a permanent member of the UNSC, recognizing India’s increasing influence on the global stage.

Macron highlighted the stalled decision-making process within the Security Council, which he believes undermines its effectiveness. He proposed reforms to make the UNSC more efficient and representative of today’s geopolitical landscape.

"Germany, Japan, India, and Brazil should be permanent members, as well as two countries that Africa will decide to represent it," Macron stated during his address.

Biden echoed these sentiments, praising India’s leadership in global initiatives such as the G20 and its contributions to addressing global challenges, from the COVID-19 pandemic to geopolitical conflicts.

"The US supports initiatives to reform global institutions to reflect India’s important voice, including permanent membership for India in a reformed UN Security Council," Biden said during his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delaware last week.

India’s Long-Standing Bid for a Permanent Seat

India has consistently advocated for reforms to the UN Security Council, arguing that its current structure—formed in 1945—is outdated and does not accurately reflect the 21st-century geopolitical reality. India has positioned itself as a responsible global power, underscoring its economic growth, democratic governance, and active role in peacekeeping missions and international diplomacy.

At present, the UNSC consists of five permanent members: the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, and France. These members have veto power over substantive resolutions. In addition, there are 10 non-permanent members who serve two-year terms and do not possess veto power.

India, which recently completed its tenure as a non-permanent member of the UNSC in 2021-2022, has been working alongside nations like Brazil, Japan, and Germany (collectively known as the G4 nations) to advocate for an expansion of both permanent and non-permanent seats on the Council.

A More Representative and Effective UNSC

Global leaders, including those from the Quad—a strategic group comprising India, the US, Japan, and Australia—have reiterated the need for a more inclusive and representative UNSC. In a joint statement following the Quad Leaders' Summit, the nations acknowledged the urgency of reform:

"We will reform the UN Security Council, recognizing the urgent need to make it more representative, inclusive, transparent, efficient, effective, democratic, and accountable through expansion in permanent and non-permanent categories."

This includes calls for representation from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean in a reformed Security Council, reflecting the current political and economic shifts across the world.

Conclusion: A Shift Towards UNSC Reform

As the global consensus grows for UNSC reform, support from leaders like Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron, and Joe Biden strengthens India’s case for permanent membership. This momentum towards creating a more representative and effective UN Security Council reflects a recognition of India’s rising global influence and the broader demand for a governance structure that better aligns with today’s geopolitical realities.

The international community now awaits concrete steps towards reform, with hopes that the next decade will see significant progress in reshaping the UNSC to better serve global peace, security, and prosperity.

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