UNSC dream

The editorial “Off-mark on India's UNSC dream” (Nov. 12) has rightly pointed out that Barack Obama's statement — that he looks forward to a reformed UNSC that includes India as a permanent member — has evoked undue euphoria in India and raised the hackles of Pakistan. Islamabad's stand that in view of “India's chequered track-record in adhering to U.N. principles and resolutions,” it doesn't deserve to be a permanent member of the UNSC is ridiculous, if not illogical. India is the world's largest democracy and a responsible, peace-loving nation. It has contributed to the U.N. peace-keeping operations and is striving to meet the targets of the Millennium Development Goals. It should rightfully be made a permanent member of a reformed and expanded UNSC. That said, India has a long way to go before it actually becomes a permanent member of the UNSC. Pakistan has no reason to spend sleepless nights over Mr. Obama's statement.

Nalini Vijayaraghavan,Thiruvananthapuram

Pakistan's reaction to Mr. Obama's UNSC remark was on expected lines. We should understand that the U.S. practises double standards and that Mr. Obama was only extending a token support to counter China's influence. India should not give in to the U.S.' pressure and should act as a responsible member of the U.N.

G.H. Mallikarjun,Gulbarga

India certainly need not lose sleep over the “pie in the sky.” Let the permanent membership come sooner or later. It is our country's economy that has become attractive to the world. Therefore what we need, more than a permanent seat in the UNSC, is unhindered economic growth that is inclusive and employment generating.

I.S. Kanthimathinathan,

Tirunelveli