UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently voiced strong support for India’s bid for permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) during the UN General Assembly's seventy-ninth session in New York. His endorsement follows similar pledges from US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron, indicating a growing consensus among major powers on the need for UNSC reform.

Currently, the UNSC is comprised of five permanent members—Russia, the UK, China, France, and the United States—each possessing veto power over key resolutions. The council also includes 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. Starmer emphasized the necessity for the UNSC to evolve into a "more representative body," advocating for permanent representation from regions such as Africa and for countries like Brazil, Japan, and Germany, alongside India.

Echoing this sentiment, President Macron highlighted the importance of expanding the Security Council to enhance its effectiveness. "As long as we have a Security Council that is blocked, we will have difficulty moving forward," he stated, reinforcing the idea that a more representative council would better serve global interests.

In a recent discussion, President Biden also reaffirmed US support for India’s permanent membership, framing it as part of broader efforts to reform global institutions to reflect contemporary geopolitical realities. India has long argued that the existing 15-nation UNSC, established in 1945, is no longer suitable for today's world.

India last served as a non-permanent member of the UNSC in 2021-22, and with growing international backing, its aspirations for a permanent seat appear more viable than ever. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also commented on the UNSC's outdated structure, warning that without reform, its credibility could diminish significantly.

This article explores the implications of the recent endorsements for India's role in global governance and the future of the UNSC amidst calls for reform.