Australia welcomes Obama's support for India's quest for UNSC

NEW DELHI: Australia, a long-time supporter of India's permanent membership of the expanded UN Security Council, on Friday welcomed US President Barack Obama's backing for New Delhi, saying it was "delighted" at the development.

"Australia has supported India for a permanent seat in the Security Council for many years now. So, we're delighted that other countries are also beginning to do that," Australian High Commissioner Peter Varghese said.

Varghese, while speaking on the sidelines of a function here, was responding when asked to comment on Obama's promise of support to India's quest for permanent seat of the Security Council.

Australia has been for long supporting India's candidature for permanent membership of the UNSC, saying it has credentials for the same.

At the function, the high commissioner donated Rs two lakh on behalf of the Australian contingent that participated in the Commonwealth Games to an NGO 'Asha' which helps in the education of slum children.

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U.S. President Barack Obama’s Parliament address

Mr. Vice President, Madame Speaker, Mr. Prime Minister, Members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, and most of all, the people of India.

I thank you for the great honor of addressing the representatives of more than one billion Indians and the world’s largest democracy. I bring the greetings and friendship of the world’s oldest democracy—the U.S.A, including nearly three million proud and patriotic Indian Americans.

Over the past three days, my wife Michelle and I have experienced the beauty and dynamism of India and its people. From the majesty of Humayun’s Tomb to the advanced technologies that are empowering farmers and women who are the backbone of Indian society. From a Diwali celebration with schoolchildren to the innovators who are fueling India’s economic rise. From the university students who will chart India’s future, to you—leaders who helped to bring India to this moment of promise.

At every stop, we have been welcomed with the hospitality for which Indians have always been known. So to you and the people of India, on behalf of me, Michelle and the American people, please accept our deepest thanks. Bahoot dhanyavad.

I am not the first American president to visit India. Nor will I be the last. But I am proud to visit India so early in my presidency. It is no coincidence that India is my first stop on a visit to Asia, or that this has been my longest visit to another country since becoming President.

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