UNITED NATION: With election of non-permanent member at the United Nation Security Council (UNSC), India has vowed to step up its quest for a permanent seat on the powerful decision making body of the United Nations

India on Tuesday gained a two-year term on the United Nation Security Council as a non-permanent member, with an overwhelming support.

India got 187 of the 191 votes in the UN General Assembly.

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi after announcement of the result at United Nations Headquarters, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna attributed the country’s win to the overwhelming support it enjoyed in the global arena. Thanking the global community for their support, Mr. Krishna said that this reflects the trust international community reposes in India.

In reply to a question, the External Affairs Minister said the issue of UN reforms will come up for discussions during the US President Barack Obama’s visit to India next month.

Mr Krishna thanks the global community for their support and said that during its tenure, India will work with like-minded countries to bring about reforms in the UNSC.

Mr. Krishna said, India’s immediate priority in the council will include peace and stability in its near and extended neighbourhood.

India is one of the founding members of the United Nations and will serve out its term for the next two years, beginning in January next year.

Meanwhile, the United States has welcomed the election of India as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council along with South Africa and Brazil and hoped these countries will play an important and constructive role in resolving key global issues together. The US State Department spokesman P J Crowley told reporters that the US is well aware of India’s aspirations to play a more significant global role and Washington welcomes that expanded role by India both on regional issues and global issues.