Agreement on reform of the security council will require political will by all member states. But we also need an approach by the aspirant members which convinces the wider membership that they can take on a leadership role which rises above local politics and is directed a finding solutions to global problems. Of all countries, India, as a future economic powerhouse and as the world’s largest democracy, is ideally placed to take this role. Multilateral action is, of course, linked to regional policies. The key is to have a global approach to them and here we see enormous opportunities for partnership. Three issues where India can make a unique contribution are Burma, Afghanistan and Nepal.

Burma’s military regime has been suffocating the country’s people and economy for years. The whole world watched and admired the bravery of Burma’s monks and other citizens in peacefully demanding change. We will not forget what has happened; and there will be no turning back the clocks to the situation that existed before the demonstrations. We want to know what has happened to the missing and detained; and we want the junta to realise that a regime of brutality and fear is not sustainable.

The UN has a central role to play here. The United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon and his Special Envoy Ibrahim Gambari are leading efforts to end the violence and promote a process of genuine reconciliation. Such a process should be moderated by the United Nations and must include Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and leaders of opposition and ethnic groups. There is a responsibility on the whole of the international community to keep up pressure for reconciliation to begin.

... contd.