British Prime Minister Gordon Brown supported India's bid to take a greater place on the world stage Jan. 21 during a visit to New Delhi aimed at strengthening trade and economic ties with the emerging superpower.

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

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