Putin supports India's permanent memebership in UNSC: Manmohan

Moscow, Jan 24 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said Russia would continue to back India's candidacy for permanent membership in the UN Security Council.

''We highly appreciate that Russia has publicly supported India's aspirations in this regard and look forward to continuing to receive its valuable support in future,'' Dr Singh said in an interview to the All Russia Television and Radio Company (VGTRK) and Interfax news agency ahead of his summit with President Vladimir Putin, on January 25-26 in New Delhi.

''I discussed this subject many times with President Putin and he has assured me that Russia, when the time comes, will be on the side of India,'' he said.

The Prime Minister said it was India's 'firm belief' that the reform and expansion of the UN Security Council, in both permanent and non-permanent categories, was central to the process of UN reform.

''We believe that comprehensive reform of the UN is essential to enable it to deal with the myriad challenges of today's world more effectively,'' he said, pointing out that as a founding member of the United Nations, India had 'consistently and significantly' contributed to all aspects of its functioning.

He stressed there was a widespread and growing feeling that the composition and functioning of the UN Security Council did not reflect contemporary reality as indeed the expanded membership of the United Nations.

''The representation of developing countries as permanent members of the Security Council is essential in this context,'' he said.

''It is in this framework that India has expressed interest in becoming a permanent member of the Security Council,'' Dr Singh added On the North Korean nuclear issue, the Prime Minister said India was 'deeply concerned' over the nuclear test conducted by Pyongyang in violation of its international commitments.

''This development has implicated for regional peace and security and highlights the dangers of clandestine proliferation, which has affected India's security as well,'' he said.

On Iran's controversial nuclear programme, Dr Singh said Iran as a signatory to the NPT was entitled to use peaceful nuclear energy.

''India's position is that Iran has a right to develop peaceful uses of nuclear energy consistent with its commitments and obligations,'' he said, adding, ''At the same time, the international community has valid concerns, which must be addressed through diplomacy and dialogue and enhanced cooperation with the IAEA.'' UNI