It was over 10 years ago that, on his first state visit to India, U.S. President Barack Obama declared in front of the Indian parliament that he looked forward to the day India would become a permanent member of a reformed United Nations Security Council. It was the first time that an American president had publicly expressed any support for this long-standing Indian quest.
In the years since, countries ranging from Australia to France have also endorsed India’s bid. However, during the Trump administration there was no further discussion of the subject. New U.S. President Joe Biden has yet to tip his hand. And during Senate confirmation hearings this week, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, his pick for ambassador to the United Nations, was noncommittal. When asked about whether India, Germany, and Japan should have permanent seats, she affirmed that “there are some strong arguments for that.” But, she continued, “I also know that there are others who disagree within their regions that they should be the representative of their region.”
