UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has voiced strong support for India’s inclusion as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). This statement follows similar endorsements from US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron, further fueling the call for reform of the global body. Starmer made the remarks during his address at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, emphasizing the need for the UNSC to evolve into a "more representative body" that is capable of taking action, rather than being "paralysed by politics."

Currently, the UNSC consists of five permanent members — Russia, the UK, China, France, and the United States — who hold veto power, along with 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. Starmer underscored the importance of expanding the council, advocating for the inclusion of countries like India, Brazil, Japan, and Germany as permanent members, and for permanent African representation. He also called for an increase in the number of elected non-permanent members.

The push for UNSC reform gained momentum earlier in the week when French President Emmanuel Macron voiced support for expanding the council, emphasizing that it should better reflect modern global realities. Macron reiterated France's stance, saying the current structure is often "blocked" by the conflicting interests of its members, limiting its effectiveness.

US President Joe Biden had also expressed support for India’s inclusion as a permanent UNSC member. During talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delaware last week, Biden affirmed the US’s backing for initiatives aimed at reforming global institutions to give India a greater voice, specifically through permanent UNSC membership.

India has long advocated for reforms to the UNSC, arguing that its composition — established in 1945 — does not reflect the geopolitical realities of the 21st century. Most recently, India served as a non-permanent member of the council during the 2021-22 term.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has also weighed in on the issue, warning that the UNSC risks losing credibility if it remains "outdated" and fails to reform its composition and decision-making processes. Guterres shared these concerns during the 'Summit of the Future' held earlier in the week.