U.S. hopes India will play constructive role as UNSC member

October 13, 2010 02:15 pm | Updated December 04, 2021 10:53 pm IST - Washington

The U.S. has applauded India’s election to the UN Security Council as a non—permanent member hoping that it would play a constructive role in resolving key global issues, but stopped short of endorsing its bid for a permanent seat on the powerful body.

“We are well aware of India’s aspirations to play a more significant, you know, global role. We have welcomed that expanded role by India both on regional issues and global issues,” State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said at his daily news conference here last evening.

He made the remarks when asked if the US would be endorsing India’s bid for a permanent UNSC seat during the visit of U.S. President Barack Obama to New Delhi in November.

Mr. Crowley, however, said the Obama Administration is committed to the reform of the UN and its Security Council.

“We will work within the UN and within the Security Council because, you know, we recognise that there are a number of countries in the world that have those same aspirations. We are committed to continue to work constructively on UN reform,” Mr. Crowley said.

The State Department spokesman welcomed the election of India, South Africa, Colombia, Portugal and Germany to the UN Security Council as its non-permanent members for a two-year term beginning from January 1, 2011.

“We look forward to working constructively with all members of the Security Council. We trust that all new members will work to support the principles of the Charter, contribute to the effectiveness and efficiency of the Council and uphold its role in maintaining international peace and security,” he said.

Mr. Crowley said the US is committed to finding a way forward on the Security Council reform that preserves and strengthens its efficiency and effectiveness and enhance its ability to carry out its mandate and meet the challenges of the 21st century.

He also said that the US does not expect BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries, which for the first time are together in the Security Council, to form a separate block within the UNSC.

“These countries have been playing significant roles and in some cases increasing roles in their respective regions for some time, and we welcome their participation in the Security Council,” he said.

“As we’ve said, the global challenges that we face cannot be solved by any one country. They’re going to need significant engagement, involvement, and support from these emerging powers. You’ve got a very strong list of emerging powers who can rightfully play a more leading role on global issues,” Mr. Crowley said.

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