Obama endorses New Delhi's quest for permanent UNSC seat

In a largely symbolic move Monday, US President Barack Obama endorsed India's long-held demand for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council (UNSC ).

"In the years ahead, I look forward to a reformed UNSC that includes India as a permanent member," Obama said in a speech to India's Parliament in New Delhi. "Let me suggest that with increased power comes increased responsibility."

"I don't think India is emerging. It has emerged. India is a key actor on the world stage," Obama said at a joint news conference with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh earlier Monday.

India wants a seat on the UNSC, saying it would reflect the growing weight of the G20 nation as its trillion-dollar economy helps spur global growth and its government exerts influence over issues from Doha trade to climate change.

However, India has often stood against the US in UN votes.

"It (India's membership) will not be done any time soon," said Gurmeet Karmal, director of the Center for Land Warfare Studies, a New Delhi-based think tank. "The UNSC is not going to be reorganized in the next eight to 10 years."

Singh also appeared to rebuff calls by Obama for India and Pakistan to move forward on peace talks.

Underscoring these diplomatic difficulties, Singh poured cold water on any immediate improvement in relations with Pakistan.

"You cannot simultaneously be talking, and at the same time the terror machine is as active as ever before," Singh said at the joint news conference.

"Once Pakistan moves away from this terror-induced coercion, we will be very happy to engage productively with Pakistan to resolve all outstanding issues," he added.

Reuters