M A I N   N E W S

Support builds up for India
Claim to UN council seat

PARIS, April 23 (PTI) — India’s efforts for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council have received a major boost with three world powers backing New Delhi’s candidature this week, and analysts say New Delhi should press ahead with its diplomatic campaign to reach its goal.

In a complete turn around of events, these nations, who had earlier said India ruined its chances of a permanent seat by triggering nuclear tests in 1998, are now offering their support to New Delhi on the permanent council membership.

The support was “categorical and clear-cut” from Paris.

“India is naturally destined to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council. France supports and will support your candidature,” French President Jacques Chirac said during President K.R. Narayanan’s recent visit to France, the first clear statement from any of the five permanent members.

World nations have been debating on reforms in the United Nations, including the Security Council expansion. The council now has five permanent members with veto power and 10 non-permanent nations, which rotate for a two-year term, five each year.

India launched its campaign for the council seat with a spirited debate at the 49th UN General Assembly conference in 1994. While some of New Delhi’s South Asian neighbours were not receptive to the idea, India’s long-time ally Russia was the first country to openly support the move.

Though Russia spoke in favour of India’s case at the UN itself, the recent French support, is considered crucial as it could influence other European Union states.

As expected, Paris’s support had its effect on London. Barely 24-hours after President Chirac’s assertive statement, British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook, said in New Delhi “India is a natural contender for the council seat.”

Though Mr Cook’s statement was not as explicit as Mr Chirac’s, diplomatic circles perceive that, compared to the Indo-British relations in the past two years, London has taken a major step by backing New Delhi’s candidature.

At the same time, following President Bill Clinton’s visit to India, there has been a marked change in Washington’s attitude towards New Delhi.

“The USA has to be prepared and will be prepared to give India serious consideration for the permanent membership of the Security Council,” US Ambassador to India, Richard Celeste told recently.

Now only China has to take a stand on the issue. With the improving Indo-China relations and President K.R. Narayanan’s visit to China scheduled for next month, diplomats expect a positive outcome in the future.

Perturbed over growing international support to India, Pakistan has strongly opposed New Delhi’s inclusion in the council fearing the move could further it and has already started its campaign against India’s candidature.

Observers say that it is time for India to put a coherent strategy and mount a major lobbying effort to achieve its goal.