E-Paper
India deserves seat in UNSC, says Blair
Supporting India's bid for UN Security Council seat, Tony Blair also urged India's involvment in G-8.
"India with 1.3 billion population ought to be represented in the UN Security Council and involved in the G-8 process,” said Tony Blair. He was responding to a question by Hindustan Times' Vir Sanghvi as to whether Britain would support India’s bid for a permanent seat in the Security Council, along with its reform.
Blair’s unequivocal affirmation during the joint press conference with Dr Manmohan Singh at Downing Street was significant in the backdrop of an earlier reported hesitation by Foreign Secretary Jack Straw about Britain’s support to India’s bid.
Blair went on to add that issues like climate change could not be dealt with by G-8 without the involvement of India and China, given their huge economy. “As each year passes the issue becomes more urgent,” he said.
Blair also unreservedly condemned terrorism and said: “There is no equivocation on the issue. We condemn all forms of terrorism, in relation to Kashmir or any other part of the world.” He added: “We are supporting a peaceful exchange of views between India and Pakistan and condemn the killings of innocent civilians and elected politicians.”
Praising India’s “functioning” democracy Blair said: “India is an extraordinary example of a working democracy, despite its problems of development. It is home to 150 million Muslims and other religions, yet it values tolerance.”
Dr Manmohan Singh and Blair had a 45-minute meeting in the presence of aides and about 10 minutes they talked alone. Dr Singh struck a nostalgic note when he said that 50 years ago he was in the UK as a student and had seen 10 Downing Street from the outside. Today as India’s Prime Minister, “I am inside as a guest of the British Prime Minister.” He noted that things have changed in the past 50 years. Britain has become a multi-lingual, multi-ethnic and multi-religious society, “which we, in India are and have built on diversity, a cohesive niche".
Dr Singh, touching on Indo-Pak relations, said that comprehensive dialogue has been going on. “The process initiated in January 2004 is being carried forward.” But he cautioned that “threat of terrorism has to be kept under control” so as the public opinion to carry forward the peace process can be built up. “We are ready to discuss all outstanding issues with Pakistan.”
Responding to a question Dr Singh said that Indian troops will not be sent to Iraq but India is committed to helping humanitarian efforts and in rehabilitation process. Blair on his part when asked about Iraq, cited the example of India and said the country is a “testament to the fact that people, given a choice was democracy".
Both the Prime Ministers said they were committed to try to work together in the international arena. Blair, while saying that the bilateral relations have gone from strength to strength, said that India has to be involved in all discussions and resolution of issues at the international level.
Blair congratulated Dr Singh at his election as Prime Minister and thanked him for coming to London. Dr Singh also affirmed his commitment to take Indo-UK relations further and cooperation at all levels. After meeting the press the two Prime Ministers had a working lunch over poached salmon and basmati rice.
