UK PM Starmer backs India's bid for permanent UNSC seat
What's the story
United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed his support for India's bid to secure a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
This announcement was made during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly.
Starmer's endorsement follows a similar show of support from French President Emmanuel Macron earlier this week.
Context
Why does this story matter?
The UNSC is composed of 15 members, including five permanent members with veto power (the United States, China, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom) and 10 non-permanent members serving two-year terms.
Its primary functions involve investigating conflicts, establishing peacekeeping operations, and imposing sanctions when necessary.
This makes it a crucial entity in international diplomacy.
UNSC reform
Starmer calls for UNSC reform and expansion
In his address at the UN General Assembly in New York, Starmer emphasized the need for the Security Council to evolve into a more representative body.
He stated, "The Security Council has to change to become a more representative body, willing to act—not paralyzed by politics."
He further advocated for permanent African representation on the Council and suggested Brazil, India, Japan, and Germany as potential permanent members.
Reform advocacy
India leads charge for UNSC reform
India has been at the forefront of advocating for urgent reforms within the Security Council.
The country argues that it deserves a permanent seat at the UN's high table, citing that the 15-member council, established in 1945, is "outdated and fails to represent the current geopolitical landscape of the 21st century."
There is a growing demand to increase the number of permanent members to better reflect today's global dynamics.
Expansion endorsement
Macron supports expansion of UNSC
Earlier, Macron also voiced his support for India's bid for permanent membership in a reformed UNSC.
He advocated for the expansion of this influential UN body, stating, "We have a Security Council that is blocked... Let's make the UN more efficient. We have to make it more representative."
He suggested that Germany, Japan, India, and Brazil should be permanent members along with two countries chosen by Africa.