United Kingdom, London: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is composed of five permanent and ten non-permanent members. The permanent members include the United States, the United Kingdom, China, France, and Russia, while non-permanent members are elected by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for two-year terms.
India's bid for a permanent seat on the UNSC has gained traction among key global players, with the United States and France leading the charge for New Delhi’s inclusion. The United Kingdom has recently joined this support, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressing that his country advocates for India's permanent membership in the Council.
During his address at the United Nations General Assembly, Starmer stated, "We seek permanent representation for Africa on the Council, as well as for Brazil, India, Japan, and Germany, alongside increasing the number of elected members."
Starmer emphasized the need for the UNSC to better reflect the voices of the world's poorest and most vulnerable populations. "To ensure the system serves those in need, their perspectives must be included. We must enhance the representation and responsiveness of the system to those requiring assistance most. This principle applies to the Security Council as well, which must evolve into a more representative entity that is prepared to act rather than be immobilized by political disputes," he added.
His comments resonated with those made by French President Emmanuel Macron, who also advocated for increased representation on the Security Council and called for the inclusion of nations like India and Japan as permanent members. Macron remarked, "We must work towards a more efficient UN. It is essential to enhance its representation, which is why France supports the expansion of the Security Council. Germany, Japan, India, and Brazil should be granted permanent membership, along with two nations chosen by Africa to represent their interests."