GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 9th Oct: In a strong endorsement of India’s global role, United Kingdom Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on Thursday said India should get its “rightful place” on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). He made the remarks after holding wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai.
A permanent seat for India on the UN’s highest decision-making body, UNSC, has been a long-standing demand, backed by the United States, Germany, France, Japan, Brazil, and the African Union. Starmer’s latest statement aligns with similar endorsements made by global leaders, including Joe Biden and Emmanuel Macron, who had urged for a “more representative” UN structure.
Russia has also voiced support for India’s bid, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently calling for greater representation from Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Currently, China remains the only Asian nation with a permanent UNSC seat.
In October last year, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated India’s demand for UN reforms, stressing the need for “a more equitable global order.”
During their meeting, Modi and Starmer also discussed deepening cooperation across sectors — from trade and technology to defence and culture — following the July trade agreement between the two countries. The deal aims to reduce tariffs on goods such as whisky, cosmetics, and medical devices, while Britain will lower duties on apparel and food products.
“India and the UK are natural partners,” PM Modi said, adding that both nations are building a “crucial foundation for global stability and economic progress.”
The discussions also covered key global issues, including peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, maritime security, and ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, with India reaffirming its stance in favour of dialogue and diplomacy.
