We want to see India taking its rightful place in UN Security Council: UK Prime Minister
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed strong support for India obtaining a permanent seat on the UN Security Council during a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “We sit together in the Commonwealth, G20, and we want to see India taking its rightful place in the UN Security Council,” Starmer stated, signaling a commitment to this goal, reports 24brussels.
The leaders released a joint statement reaffirming their dedication to global peace, prosperity, and a rules-based international order. They emphasized the need for reformed multilateralism, including a reformed UN Security Council (UNSC). The UK reiterated its long-standing support for India’s aspirations for permanent membership in a reformed UNSC.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri elaborated during a media briefing, highlighting the UK’s longstanding backing for India’s inclusion as a permanent member of a restructured UNSC. “We have received support from the United Kingdom insofar as our objective to gain a place as a permanent member on a reconstituted and reformed UN Security Council is concerned,” Misri noted.
Trade and investment emerged as key topics during the discussions. The leaders acknowledged the Free Trade Agreement signed in July is currently undergoing ratification in both countries. “Much of the time between the business leaders of the two countries was spent on making plans for future investment and trade cooperation,” Misri commented.
Both Prime Ministers recognized this visit as an opportunity to enhance their strategic economic partnership, aiming to capitalize on tariff reductions implemented under the FTA. The inaugural meeting of the reconstituted India-UK CEOs Forum was held recently. Additionally, the UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade and India’s Commerce and Industry Minister reviewed the trade relationship and discussed the Joint Economic and Trade Committee, which aims to redefine long-term trade dynamics between the two nations.
New joint investments were also announced to enhance the Climate Technology Startup Fund, aimed at supporting entrepreneurs in climate technology and Artificial Intelligence, aligning with the FTA’s focus on innovation. Misri emphasized that technology and innovation are crucial pillars of the bilateral relationship, with significant announcements made during the Prime Minister’s visit, including the establishment of the India-UK Connectivity and Innovation Centre, the India-UK Joint Centre for Artificial Intelligence, and initiatives to secure resilient supply chains for critical minerals and promote green technologies.
Both countries agreed to initiate phase two of the UK-India Critical Minerals Supply Chain Observatory and to establish a new satellite campus at the Indian School of Mines, IIT Dhanbad. Furthermore, the leaders discussed increasing collaboration in the education sector between the two countries.
