(Washington, DC) Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) introduced a resolution in support of the Republic of India gaining a permanent seat on the United Nations (UN) Security Council.  An overwhelming majority of the United Nations General Assembly recently elected India to serve as the Asian regional representative to the Security Council.  (Please find attached a copy of the resolution).

“Addressing a joint session of India’s Parliament this past November 8, President Obama said that ‘the United States not only welcomes India as a rising global power, we fervently support it.’  And I could not agree more,” said Hastings.  “As the international community looks to reform the policies and procedures of the Security Council, no nation deserves a seat at the table more than India.”

India is the world’s most populous democracy and second most-populous nation.  India has one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, enjoys the second-largest labor force, and is rapidly becoming a major hub for high-tech industry, telecommunications, and automobile manufacturing.  As a major export/import nation, India is an important trading partner for dozens of countries around the world.

“India’s position at the nexus of global security issues, from Pakistan and Kashmir to China and the Indian Ocean, makes its participation in international security decisions essential,” further noted Hastings.  “India has thus demonstrated a commitment to international dialogue and constructive engagement, and, indeed, enjoys good relations with most countries around the world.”

India regularly participates in numerous regional and international organizations, including the G20, the World Trade Organization, the East Asian Summit, and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.  Additionally, India has provided tens of thousands of troops for dozens of UN peacekeeping missions around the world.

“As a nation which has suffered more casualties from terrorism than almost any other, India’s commitment to effective counterterrorism measures is aligned with the United States’ goals, and India has proved an indispensible ally with respect to our efforts in South Asia,” said Hastings.  “India is already a nation of great influence, respect, ambition, and ability, and a trusted member of the international community.

“As President Obama and many other world leaders have pointed out, India deserves a permanent seat on a reformed Security Council, where its voice and clout will be a much-welcomed and much-needed addition to the global security regime.”

Joining Hastings as original cosponsor is Representative Madeleine Z. Bordallo (GU).

Congressman Alcee L. Hastings is Vice Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, a senior member of the House Rules Committee, and Co-Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission.

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India_UN_Security_Council_Resolution.pdf