US likely to take up India's bid for UN Security Council membership

The United States, which supports India's membership in an expanded United Nations Security Council (UNSC), is likely to push for induction of the country into the key United Nations' body later this month, US state department said today.

According to a spokeswoman of the US State Department, the US will be raising the issue at the UN through its UN ambassador Nikki Haley.

"I believe she is (planning to raise the issue of India in the UNSC). I would have to double-check with her office. I can certainly do that and get back with you," said spokeswoman Heather Nauert, referring to Haley.

India, which has been pushing diplomatic efforts to expand and reform the UNSC, has the support of permanent as well as non-permanent members. In addition to the US and Russia, others like the Netherlands and Turkey are among various countries that support India's entry into the UNSC.

US President Donald Trump had offered to support India's bid for a permanent seat in a reformed UNSC and in other multilateral institutions like the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

"President Trump reaffirmed the support of the United States for India's permanent membership on a reformed UN Security Council," said a Indo-US joint statement released at the end of PM narendra Modi's visit to the  US in June.

"As global non-proliferation partners, the United States expressed strong support for India's early membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group, the Wassenaar Arrangement, and the Australia Group," the joint statement said.

The state department spokeswoman on Friday also touched upon PM Modi's US visit, terming it "lovely".

"I know we had a lovely visit with Mr Modi. It was certainly wonderful to have him here in the United States. I know the President enjoyed hosting him, as did the Secretary (of State Rex Tillerson) as well," Nauert said.

Similarly, a vision document issued after the PM's talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in June said, "Russia reaffirms its strong support to India's candidature for a permanent seat in a reformed United Nations Security Council.".

China, which is a permanent member in the Security Council, however, is a roadblock for India's entry into the UNSC and the NSG as it wants India to be tagged with its ally Pakistan.