NEW DELHI, Jan 21: British Prime Minister Gordon Brown supported India’s bid to take a greater place on the world stage on Monday during a visit aimed at strengthening trade and economic ties with the emerging power.

Mr Brown said India’s rapid growth means it should play a greater role in international affairs and have a permanent seat on an expanded UN Security Council.

“We can and must do more to make our global institutions more representative,” Mr Brown said in a speech to the Confederation of Indian Industry and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce.

Later, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh echoed this, saying international institutions could not be effective if they “ignore countries like India and China.”

Mr Brown is visiting New Delhi with a large delegation of British business leaders after spending two days in China, on his first trip to Asia as prime minister. His tour has focused on expanding trade and investment and on cooperation in controlling climate change.

Each of the two neighbours have populations in excess of one billion, but India’s burgeoning middle class — among which English is more widely spoken than in China — is bolstering foreign interest amid potential market reform.

“It is amazing to see first hand the astonishing pace of change in India,” Mr Brown said. “There is a prize for all of us in a confident 21st century India, working with a confident 21st century Britain in a partnership of equals.”—AP