NEW DELHI: US President Barack Obama's remarks in an interview on India's quest for permanent membership of UN Security Council (UNSC) drew sharp reactions from Left parties which described them as disappointing while Congress sought to differ with him.
"While we respect President Obama's views, the fact is not only India but other major players in the world want the Security Council to reflect the reality of 2010 and not the power balance of 1945."
"There is a UN reform process which is underway. The US and various other stakeholders are very actively engaged in this process," Congress spokesman Manish Tewari told reporters on Obama's comments that the issue of India's case for a permanent UNSC membership was "very difficult and complicated".
The Left parties said they were disappointed with the American President's statement.
"Definitely it was a disappointing statement. It was expected that the US would not sincerely pursue India's case. Interest of India is not protected," CPI-M leader in Lok Sabha Basudeb Acharia told media.
He said that the India government should contact other countries like China and Brazil to pursue the case.
CPI's D Raja said Obama's statement reflected a "clear reservation" of the US in supporting India's cause.
"The Government of India should realise it," Raja said. Tewari did not agree with Obama's view on the issue of outsourcing, saying for India and Indian companies "outsourcing is a reality" which is there to remain for quite a while.
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