PROMISE TO INDIA

President Barack 'Obama sent hearts soaring in India today when he endorsed, before a  session of India's parliament, the country's bid for permanent membership in the U.N. Security Council.

" Indeed, the just and sustainable international order that America seeks includes a United Nations that is efficient, effective, credible and legitimate. That is why I can say today, in the years ahead, I look forward to a reformed U.N. Security Council that includes India as a permanent member."http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6XsZEQ5V64

 

"It was a powerful endorsement. It is very welcome. Very eloquently put," said the head of India's BJP party. The Indian government had clearly been hoping that Obama would take the step, and a number of prominent voices pushed the White House in that direction. John McCain called  for it on the eve of Obama's visit. For its part, Pakistan opposed the move, warning that a permanent seat for India would complicate regional security.