Press Release

Today, Congressman Ami Bera (CA-07), the Vice Ranking Member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the longest serving Indian-American in Congress, and Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), the founder of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, introduced legislation supporting India having a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. The resolution would put the U.S. House of Representatives officially on record in support of India's bid and has seven original cosponsors.

"As the world's oldest democracy and the world's largest democracy, the United States and India share common values and a growing partnership on many fronts, especially defense cooperation," said Rep. Ami Bera. "India plays a critical role as a strategic partner for the United States and is a pillar of stability in South Asia. The five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council reflect the world as it was 60 years ago, and it's time we recognize India's role increasing global prosperity. Securing a permanent spot for India on the UN Security Council would strengthen democracy around the world."

"I am proud to represent one of the largest Indian-American constituencies in Congress, and I strongly support India's bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council," said Congressman Pallone. "At a time when international relations are being redefined, we should acknowledge and empower those nations that share our enduring core values. It's in the interests of the United States and the world to have a U.N. Security Council whose members combine military strength with respect for democracy and pluralism, and an appreciation of the dangers posed by rouge states and terrorist groups. India belongs on the U.N. Security Council and it is imperative that Congress makes this clear to the Trump administration and the world. "

The U.N. Security Council still reflects the world as it was in 1945 when the United Nations was created. Despite the fact that the U.N. has grown from 51 member nations at its inception to nearly 200, the Security Council has not grown to reflect these changes. There are currently five permanent members of the council, including the United States, United Kingdom, Russia, China, and France. The bill was introduced on the last day that the U.N. General Assembly was in session in New York.

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