Obama supports India on UN Security Council

NEW DELHI — President Barack Obama backed India for a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council Monday, a dramatic diplomatic gesture to his hosts as he wrapped up his first visit to this burgeoning nation.

Obama was making the announcement in a speech to India's parliament on the third and final day of his visit. In doing so, he fulfilled what was perhaps India's dearest wish for Obama's trip here. India has been pushing for permanent Security Council membership for years.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

NEW DELHI (AP) — President Barack Obama has come out in support of India for permanent membership on the United Nations Security Council.

It's an important gesture to Obama's Indian hosts on his first visit, and a sign of the value the U.S. places on strengthening its relationship with India.

The president told India's parliament that he looked forward to "a reformed U.N. Security Council that includes India as a permanent member."

Getting a U.S. endorsement for membership was considered to be at or near the top of India's wish list for the president's visit. But officials stressed that he's supporting the move only in the context of larger Security Council reforms, which could take years.

My trip will strengthen India-US ties: Obama

New Delhi: US President Barack Obama on Monday said that his India trip would improve and strengthen relations between the two countries. Speaking at the Rahstrapati Bhawan after receiving a ceremonial welcome, Obama said that USA and India were the two largest democracies in the world and shared a core set of values.

"Warmest regards from the people of America for the people of India. I thank all the people of India. The trip has been taken to strengthen the relation between India and US. We are two largest democracies in the world, we share people to people contact, we share core set of values," said the US President.

Obama said that United States intended to strengthen what has already been an incredible partnership between the two countries to what would "be a defining partnership of the 21st century".

"I am looking forward to the bilateral meeting (with Manmohan Singh) to discuss issues like counter-terrorism, commercial ties and strengthen our bilateral relations on international economy. We can build on people to people ties. Millions of Indian Americans contribute so much to our country. India is not simply an emerging power but a world power," he said. 

He added that the two countries would work on international principles and for peace and stability not only for the two countries but for the entire world.Earlier, the US President was given a ceremonial welcome and tri-service Guard of Honour at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Obama along with his wife Michelle was received by President Pratibha Patil, her husband Devisingh Patil, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh along with his wife Gursharan Kaur at Rashtrapati Bhawan after which the national anthems of India and USA played.

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, External Affairs Minister SM Krishna and Defence Minister AK Antony were also present at the Rashtrapati Bhavan before the US first couple pulled up in their black limousine.

Indo-US counter terrorism will continue: Roemer

New Delhi: As the count down begins for Barack Obama's visit to India, the US says Indo-US counter terror intelligence will continue and the sparring over David Headley will not affect ties between the two countries.

According to CNN-IBN, Timothy Roemer assured that the US will monitor the Pakistan use of American funds and will ensure that it is not directed against India.

Roemer asserted the US President could support India's bid for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council. However, Roemer is still non-committal on India's outsourcing concerns.

For more on this news visit:

http://news.oneindia.in/2010/10/29/indo-us-counter-terror-will-continue-roemer.html