Shashi Tharoor, who failed to become UN chief three years ago, on Friday took charge as Minister of State for External Affairs, a portfolio the former UN diplomat says he is very happy to be in.
"I am very happy to be here. This is a ministry that I have had very very good, constructive and positive dealings with for many many years and to be part of this is a real privilege" 53-year-old Tharoor told reporters.
He said India has been occupying an important place in the world and that he will contribute in his own way to further strengthen that "honoured place".
"India's place in the world is of great importance. India is a country which for the longest period of time, since the days of Jawaharlal Nehru, has had an honoured place in the world ...And I wish to make my own contribution for strengthening that very honoured place," he said.
Asked whether he will pursue India's case for a permanent membership in the UN Security Council, Tharoor who served as Undersecretary General for Communications and Public Information, said the Government has a very clear policy on the issue.
"There are very clear policies of the Government of India on these issues. I certainly hope to be a good and faithful servant of these policies," he said.
{{/usCountry}}"There are very clear policies of the Government of India on these issues. I certainly hope to be a good and faithful servant of these policies," he said.
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