[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 27 (Friday, February 18, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E263]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCING A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA 
    GAINING A PERMANENT SEAT ON THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 17, 2011

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce a 
resolution in support of the Republic of India gaining a permanent seat 
on the United Nations Security Council. 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.'' I could not agree more. In recent years 
India has proven to be a solid and supportive ally of the United 
States. 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.
  As the world's most populous democracy--and second most-populous 
nation--India is an increasingly influential power, not only in its 
neighborhood in South Asia but also on the world's stage. India is 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 has a strategic role in addressing major global security 
issues, makes its participation in international decisions essential. 
Having already provided tens of thousands of troops for dozens of UN 
peacekeeping missions around the world, India has earned a permanent 
role for itself in security decision-making, global conflict 
resolution, and questions of war and peace. 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.
  Finally, 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. India has thus demonstrated a commitment to 
international dialogue and constructive engagement, and, indeed, enjoys 
good relations with most countries around the world.
  Mr. Speaker, India is already a nation of great influence, respect, 
ambition, and ability, and a trusted member of the international 
community. An overwhelming majority of the United Nations General 
Assembly recently elected India to serve as the Asian regional 
representative to the Security Council. The permanent membership of the 
Security Council reflects the reality of global power in the immediate 
aftermath of World War Two--not today's 21st century reality of rising 
powers. 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. I strongly applaud this effort 
and urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

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