US Congressmen back India’s claim for a permanent UNSC membership

WASHINGTON : Two Democratic Congressmen have introduced a resolution in the US House of Representatives, seeking support for India for a permanent membership of the UN security council in recognition of its growing clout and an endorsement of democracies around the world.

It was introduced by Ami Bera, the longest-serving Indian American in US congress and member of the House foreign relations committee, and Frank Pallone, who founded the congressional caucus on India, which has grown into the largest countryspecific caucus on Capitol Hill.

“The five permanent members of the UNSC reflect the world as it was 60 years ago, and it’s time we recognise India’s role in increasing global prosperity,” said Bera. “A permanent spot for India on the UNSC would strengthen democracy around the world.”

The UNSC is the world‘s top decision-making body, and its five permanent members — the US, UK, France, China and Russia — are the most powerful member-nations, with veto powers, the exercise of which by even one of them can stop or block an initiative supported by all the rest.

India is a leading claimant to a permanent seat on a reformed and expanded council, with Japan, Germany and Brazil, that had come together to form a pressure group, arguing that the present set-up is unreflective of the changing world order. “It's in the interests of the US and world to have a UNSC whose members combine military strength with respect for democracy , and an appreciation of the dangers posed by terrorists ,” said Pallone in a joint statement with Bera.