India is inching ever closer to securing a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council, especially after U.S. President Barack Obama expressed his full support to the former British colony’s bid. So far, there have been in-depth discussions between countries such as France, Japan, Russian and Germany, all of which currently hold positions in the United Nations, as to whether India should be allowed to take a seat in the Security Council. India’s Permanent Mission is also pushing for the country’s United Nations bid for permanent membership by lobbying at the United Nations Headquarters.
Following President Obama’s endorsement is France’s Head of United Nations Division in the Foreign Ministry Sylvie Berman who recently paid New Delhi a visit to meet Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao. Other senior officials of the External Affairs Ministry were also present during the discussions over reform issues in the country. Next to Berman’s visit came a meeting with the Japanese Deputy Vice Foreign Minister. The country also expects further visitations by United Nations dignitaries, which include the Head of Russian Foreign Ministry’s United Nations Division and several German officials.
The said discussions between countries center on reform issues in the United Nations, including the highly respected Security Council under both permanent and non-permanent categories. India is looking to occupy over a period of two years a non-permanent position in the Security Council as early as January. Meanwhile, India will be responsible for addressing global issues related to a referendum in Sudan that is coming in January, a report on the assassination of ex Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri, and the political turmoil in Nepal.