Obama backs India for Security Council
Source: Agencies |
November 9, 2010, Tuesday
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UNITED States President Barack Obama backed India for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council yesterday, a dramatic diplomatic gesture to his hosts as he wrapped up his first visit to the burgeoning nation.
Obama made the announcement in a speech to India's parliament on the third and final day of his visit. In doing so, he fulfilled what was perhaps India's dearest wish for Obama's trip. India has been pushing for permanent Security Council membership for years.
"The just and sustainable international order that America seeks includes a UN that is efficient, effective, credible and legitimate," Obama said. "That is why I can say today - in the years ahead, I look forward to a reformed UN Security Council that includes India as a permanent member."
The announcement brought the loudest applause of Obama's speech. But it does not mean that India will join the five permanent Security Council members anytime soon. The US is backing India's membership only in the context of unspecified reforms to the council that could take years to bring about.
That makes Obama's announcement more of a diplomatic gesture than a concrete step. Nonetheless, it underscores the importance the US places on fostering ties with this nation of 1.2 billion people, something Obama has been seeking to accomplish throughout his time there.
Obama said repeatedly throughout his three days in India - first in the financial center of Mumbai and then in the capital of New Delhi - that he views the relationship between the two countries as one of the "defining partnerships" of the 21st century.
He set out to prove it by making India the first stop on a four-country tour of Asia, and then through economic announcements, cultural outreach and finally the announcement about the UN Security Council.
India has sought permanent council membership as recognition of its economic clout and its increased stature in world affairs.
The US position is certain to deepen the ties between them and could send Obama's popularity in India soaring to a level comparable to that enjoyed by George W. Bush. The ex-president is seen as a hero in India for helping end India's nuclear isolation.
The five permanent members of the Security Council are the US, China, France, the United Kingdom and?Russia.
Obama made the announcement in a speech to India's parliament on the third and final day of his visit. In doing so, he fulfilled what was perhaps India's dearest wish for Obama's trip. India has been pushing for permanent Security Council membership for years.
"The just and sustainable international order that America seeks includes a UN that is efficient, effective, credible and legitimate," Obama said. "That is why I can say today - in the years ahead, I look forward to a reformed UN Security Council that includes India as a permanent member."
The announcement brought the loudest applause of Obama's speech. But it does not mean that India will join the five permanent Security Council members anytime soon. The US is backing India's membership only in the context of unspecified reforms to the council that could take years to bring about.
That makes Obama's announcement more of a diplomatic gesture than a concrete step. Nonetheless, it underscores the importance the US places on fostering ties with this nation of 1.2 billion people, something Obama has been seeking to accomplish throughout his time there.
Obama said repeatedly throughout his three days in India - first in the financial center of Mumbai and then in the capital of New Delhi - that he views the relationship between the two countries as one of the "defining partnerships" of the 21st century.
He set out to prove it by making India the first stop on a four-country tour of Asia, and then through economic announcements, cultural outreach and finally the announcement about the UN Security Council.
India has sought permanent council membership as recognition of its economic clout and its increased stature in world affairs.
The US position is certain to deepen the ties between them and could send Obama's popularity in India soaring to a level comparable to that enjoyed by George W. Bush. The ex-president is seen as a hero in India for helping end India's nuclear isolation.
The five permanent members of the Security Council are the US, China, France, the United Kingdom and?Russia.
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