UK PM Starmer Backs India’s Bid for Permanent UNSC Seat During Mumbai Talks with Modi

Mumbai, October 9: India should secure its “rightful place” on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said on Thursday following talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai.

The statement reiterates India’s long-standing demand for a permanent seat on the UN’s highest decision-making body, a position that has seen growing international support. Over the past year, backing has come from countries including the United States, Germany, France, Japan, Brazil, and the African Union.

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Global Support and Context

Starmer’s endorsement echoes remarks from September 2023, when US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Starmer himself called for a more representative UNSC by including nations like India, Germany, Japan, and Brazil.

Russia has also expressed support, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov highlighting last month the need for greater representation from Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Currently, China is the only Asian country holding a permanent seat, while India maintains a complex but evolving economic and diplomatic relationship with Beijing.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has acknowledged India’s demand, emphasizing that the decision ultimately lies with UN member states. Presently, the UNSC consists of five permanent members—the US, UK, Russia, China, and France—alongside 10 rotating non-permanent members, including Pakistan until 2026.

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Trade and Strategic Ties

The Mumbai talks also highlighted the expanding India-UK partnership, spanning trade, technology, culture, and defense. Starmer praised India’s “remarkable growth story” and underscored cooperation in areas ranging from Bollywood to football, digital technology, and military collaboration.

The two leaders reaffirmed the July trade deal, which lowers tariffs on British imports like whisky, cosmetics, and medical devices, while Britain reduces duties on Indian clothing, footwear, and food products. Bilateral trade currently stands at $54.8 billion, supporting over 600,000 jobs between the two countries.

PM Modi described India and the UK as “natural partners” and emphasized the goal of building a crucial foundation for global stability, economic progress, and enhanced military ties.