Endorse India’s quest for UNSC seat: US expert

WASHINGTON - As US President Obama embarks on his first visit to India, a noted US scholar has suggested that he make a bold move to endorse India’s quest for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.

Obama has a unique opportunity to cement a global partnership with a rapidly emerging power and “India has the potential to be America’s most important strategic partner,” wrote Ashley Tellis, a senior associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, in a new paper.

A strong bilateral relationship with New Delhi will help Washington manage China’s rise, promote democracy globally, and protect broader American interests, said Tellis who was intimately involved in negotiating the India-US civil nuclear deal as an adviser to the Bush administration.

His key recommendations for the United States include paying greater attention to India, reaffirming US support and Integrating India into the global non-proliferation regime.

“While Obama has understandably focused on competing priorities-including the troubled US economy and ongoing wars abroad-Washington must devote more resources to its relations with New Delhi,” Tellis wrote.

“India plays a critical role in Afghanistan, international economic recovery, and preserving a stable Asian order-all priority issues for the United States,” he says.

The White House should also endorse India’s quest for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council, as “This bold move would reassure Indians of America’s dedication to the relationship.”

Noting that the India-US civil nuclear agreement was the first step in bringing India out of its nuclear isolation, he writes, Washington should broaden its efforts to involve everything from aiding the expansion of nuclear power in India to improving collaboration on nuclear security.

“By reaffirming the US commitment to aid India’s growth in power and emphasising America’s fellowship with India, Obama can help bring the two countries together on shared interests and move their relationship forward significantly,” Tellis said.

(Arun Kumar can be contacted at arun.kumar@ians.in)