After US nod, India to push harder for UNSC seat

India is firming up plans to push harder for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

India is firming up plans to push harder for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The move comes after US President Barack Obama backed India’s bid during his recent state visit. External Affairs Minister SM Krishna is now planning a weeklong trip to Africa early next year to garner support among individual countries there.

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This is an important step because the African Union wants three seats for its member countries on the UNSC, while the G4 countries — India, Germany, Japan and Brazil — are hoping the AU will settle for two.

New Delhi is also looking forward to a foreign ministers' meet of the trilateral grouping of India, Russia and China, where UNSC reforms and India's aspirations for a permanent seat are likely to be discussed.

While China's stated position is that the country "understands" India's desire for a permanent seat, Russia has said it will support India if a two-third majority in the UN sanctions the expansion of the Security Council.

The Ministry of External Affairs has convened a meeting of officials, including India's permanent representative to the UN Hardeep Puri, next week to discuss these issues.