US President Barack Obama has backed India’s ambition for permanent membership of the UN Security Council, BBC online reports Monday.
In an address to India’s parliament at the end of a three-day visit, Mr Obama lavishly praised India’s development.
His remarks will delight India, which has been lobbying for a seat at the UN’s top table for years. Analysts say it does not mean India will get a permanent seat immediately; the unspecified UN reforms Mr Obama mentioned could take years.
India’s long-term rival Pakistan issued a quick response opposing the move, saying the US should not be swayed by “power politics”.
There are currently five permanent members of the Security Council: the US, China, France, the UK and Russia, which have the power to veto resolutions.
Some nations have criticised the format as not reflecting the 21st century world.
If India is to get a seat, Germany, Japan and Brazil will expect one as well.
