India will become a permanent member of UN Security Council with veto power: Sushma Swaraj

New Delhi: Asserting that India has all the credential required to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), External Affairs Minister Sushma Swara, Friday, said that the government was making diplomatic efforts to ensure India's entry into the select club.

During question hour in the Rajya Sabha, Swaraj pointed out that four members of UNSC - US, Russia. United Kingdom and France have extended their support to India's bid - and the fifth member China has not publicly opposed it.

"I am confident that if not this time, then next time, India will become a permanent member of the Security Council," she said.

The minister also expressed hope that the new members of the powerful grouping will have the same rights, including veto power, as enjoyed by the existing members, adding that India wants the same responsibilities, prerogatives as well as obligations as the current permanent members.

Swaraj said, "We don't want any discrimination between old and new members. We don't want two classes - that there is a first class and a second class of permanent members. This should make it clear that India wants the same responsibilities, prerogatives and obligations as the current permanent members.”

During the inter-governmental negotiations on the issue, the US and the UK had opposed extension of veto to new members. France supported the extension while Russia and China did not make any submission on the issue.