India elected to U.N. Security Council

India was elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday with an overwhelming number of countries endorsing its sole candidature from the Asian group.

In polling for 10 seats that took place at the U.N. headquarters in New York, India received the highest number of votes — 187 out of 192 — among all countries in the fray.

“This resounding endorsement of India's candidature at the United Nations reaffirms the overwhelming support India enjoys in the international community,” External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna said at a late night press conference here soon after the results were known.

While thanking all the member states who supported India's candidature, Mr. Krishna said the country would have to live up to the responsibility entrusted by such a large number of countries. He also hoped India's objective approach would pave the way for its entry as a permanent member.

“India will demonstrate to the world that India is good for the world,” he added.

Correction

The news report, “India elected to U.N. Security Council” (October 13, 2010), wrongly mentioned that polling was held for 10 seats at the U.N. headquarters in New York on Tuesday. It should have been 5 seats.