US President Barack Obama has backed India's ambition for permanent membership of the UN Security Council.His remarks will delight India, which has been lobbying for a seat at the UN's top table for years.Analysts say it does not mean India will get a permanent seat immediately; the unspecified UN reforms Mr Obama mentioned could take years.
The US leader also said the Washington-Delhi relationship would be one of this century's defining partnerships.
The loudest applause came when Mr Obama told dignitaries: "As two global leaders, the United States and India can partner for global security - especially as India serves on the Security Council over the next two years.
"Indeed the just and sustainable international order that America seeks includes a United Nations that is efficient, effective, credible and legitimate."And that is why I can say today, in the years ahead, I look forward to a reformed United Nations Security Council that includes India as a permanent member.
