Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 9: United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reiterated his country’s strong support for India’s permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), saying New Delhi deserves its “rightful place” on the global decision-making body.

Following his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai, Starmer underlined India’s growing influence on the world stage and its central role in shaping future global governance.

“We want to see India taking its rightful place in the UNSC,” Starmer stated, echoing sentiments previously expressed by global leaders including those from the US, Germany, France, and Japan — all of whom have voiced support for a more representative Security Council that includes India.

The UK leader’s remarks are part of a broader international push to reform the UNSC, making it more inclusive of emerging powers and better reflective of 21st-century geopolitics. Starmer’s stance also aligns with recent comments from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who last month called for greater representation from Asia, Africa, and Latin America in the global body.

During the visit, Starmer underscored the growing UK-India partnership, particularly in areas of technology, education, trade, and cultural exchange. He announced plans for a new agreement to produce Bollywood films in the UK, following his visit to a film studio, and celebrated the nations’ joint leadership in innovation.

“The UK and India stand side-by-side as global leaders in tech and innovation,” he said.

The UK Prime Minister also highlighted that he brought along the largest British trade delegation in a decade, underlining the economic significance of the visit. He described the bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a vital component of deepening ties and signaled a renewed push to accelerate negotiations.

“This visit is about doubling down on our trade partnership,” Starmer noted, as both nations aim to boost cooperation across industries.

On the global stage, Starmer also welcomed the breakthrough in the Gaza Peace Plan, calling the announcement a “moment of profound relief” and pledging UK support for both its initial and future phases to ensure the plan’s complete implementation.

Starmer’s statements mark a significant moment in India-UK relations, signalling not only stronger bilateral ties but also growing Western consensus around India's elevation to a permanent seat at the UNSC.