Blitz Bureau
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on September 26 voiced strong support for India’s inclusion as a permanent member of a reformed United Nations Security Council (UNSC). He was addressing the general debate at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
Starmer also supported the case of permanent African representation, Brazil, Japan and Germany and more seats for elected members as well. “If we want the system to deliver for the poorest and most vulnerable then their voices must be heard. We need to make the system more representative and more responsive to those who need it most. So we will make the case not just for fairer outcomes, but fairer representation in how we reach them. And this also applies to the Security Council. It has to change to become a more representative body, willing to act — not paralysed by politics, said Starmer.
The British PM added: “We want to see permanent African representation on the Council; Brazil, India, Japan and Germany as permanent members, and more seats for elected members as well.”
On September 25, French President Emmanuel Macron voiced strong support for India’s inclusion as a permanent member of a reformed UNSC, along with Germany, Japan, Brazil, and two African nations. “Germany, Japan, India and Brazil should be permanent members, as well as two countries that Africa would designate to represent it. New elected members should also be admitted,” Macron said, addressing the UN General Assembly.
He said the current Security Council, often blocked by conflicting interests, needs to evolve. “Is there a better system? I don’t think so. So let’s just make these United Nations more effective, first by perhaps making them more representative,” Macron said.
The French President said that he hoped that “this reform will also make it possible to change working methods, to limit the right of veto in the event of mass crime and to focus on operational decisions that are necessary to maintain international peace and security.”
Earlier, Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font advocated for India’s inclusion, proposing a deadline for the reform to align the UNSC with modern geopolitical realities by the UN’s 80th anniversary.
The call for India’s permanent membership has also been echoed by US President Joe Biden, who reiterated Washington’s full support for India’s bid during his recent bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Russia continues to back India’s aspiration for a permanent seat.
