UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Supports India’s Bid for Permanent UNSC Seat

During his visit to India, UK PM Keir Starmer expressed strong support for India’s long-standing demand for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

UK PM Keir Starmer’s India Visit

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is on a significant diplomatic visit to India, marking his first official trip since taking office in July 2024. Accompanied by a 125-member delegation, Starmer is engaging in high-level talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strengthen bilateral ties across various sectors, including trade, defense, and technology.

Support for India’s UNSC Bid

In a key development, Prime Minister Starmer reiterated the UK’s support for India’s bid to secure a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). He emphasized that India deserves its “rightful place” on the global stage, acknowledging the country’s significant role in international affairs. Starmer’s endorsement aligns with similar support from other nations, including the United States, Germany, France, Japan, Brazil, and the African Union, all advocating for a more representative and effective UNSC.

Bilateral Discussions and Agreements

During the visit, Prime Ministers Modi and Starmer engaged in comprehensive discussions covering a wide range of topics:

Trade and Investment: The leaders emphasized the importance of enhancing economic cooperation, with a focus on sectors such as advanced manufacturing, digital trade, clean energy, and services. A significant outcome of the trip includes the announcement of £1.3 billion ($1.75 billion) in investments from 64 Indian companies into the UK.
Defense Collaboration: The UK Ministry of Defence announced a £350 million deal to supply UK-made missiles to the Indian army, underscoring the strong defense ties between the two nations.
Education and Technology: Plans were discussed for nine UK universities to establish campuses in India, aiming to foster educational exchange and collaboration in research and innovation.
Global Security Issues: The leaders addressed pressing global challenges, including the Ukraine conflict and energy transition, reaffirming their commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation.