Obama Backs India for Permanent Seat on U.N. Security Council

Nov. 8, 2010— -- In a speech to the Indian Parliament today, President Obama called for India to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council; a huge development in the world of international politics and one virulently opposed by India's nemesis, Pakistan.

"Indeed, the just and sustainable international order that America seeks includes a United Nations that is efficient, effective, credible and legitimate," the president said. "That is why I can say today, in the years ahead, I look forward to a reformed U.N. Security Council that includes India as a permanent member.

"And so we look forward to working with India, and other nations that aspire to Security Council membership, to ensure that the Security Council is effective," he said, "that resolutions are implemented and sanctions enforced; and that we strengthen the international norms which recognize the rights and responsibilities of all nations and individuals."

India's desire for a seat on the powerful Security Council has been well-known for years but, until now, the United States refrained from taking a position as others, including Brazil, Egypt, Germany, Japan and South Africa, have also started campaigning for a slot on a reconstituted and reformed council.

The White House also supports Japan's being given a permanent seat, as first pledged by President George W. Bush.

There are five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council: the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, China and France. But U.N. officials have for years discussed reforming and expanding the security council to better represent the world.

So, why now?

"This is a decision the president has made because of the strategic importance of India, because the president is fighting for jobs in America, because the president sees a more prosperous and peaceful Asia. India is a cornerstone of that Asian policy," U.S. Ambassador to India Tom Roemer said in an interview with ABC News.

"We have security challenges in Afghanistan, fragility in Pakistan, great economic markets in India. India is a partner strategically in the Indian Ocean and in maritime security and in intelligence sharing. This is really an indispensable partnership, as the president has said."