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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has backed India's bid for a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Speaking at the UN General Assembly on Thursday (Sept 26), Prime Minister Starmer said, "...the Security Council has to change to become a more representative body, willing to act – not paralysed by politics."

"We want to see permanent African representation on the Council, Brazil, India, Japan and Germany as permanent members, and more seats for elected members as well,” Starmer added.

A look at the UNSC

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The UNSC has a total of 15 members. Five permanent members of the council are the United States (US), China, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom (UK).

The remaining ten members are non-permanent and are elected for two-year terms.

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India has long sought a permanent seat in the Security Council to better represent the interests of the developing world. The nation's quest has gained momentum with support from the international community.

France, US back India's bid

Before British PM Starmer, France and the US supported  India's bid for a permanent seat at the UNSC. 

"So let's simply make the UN more effective, first and foremost by making it more representative. That's why France, and I will say it again here, supports the expansion of the Security Council. Germany, Japan, India, and Brazil should be permanent members, along with the two countries designated by Africa to represent it," French President Emmanuel Macron said during his address at the UNGA.

Last week, US President Joe Biden expressed support for India's bid for a permanent seat at the council.

(With inputs from agencies)