WASHINGTON, May 22: Indian Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran, who left for home this weekend after a four-day visit to the United States, failed to win over US support for India’s bid to the UN Security Council. The Americans apparently did not offer any assurance to India that they will support their effort to join the world body as a permanent member.

“The US has not come out with its view but says that it is interested in reform and wants the UN to be more effective,” Mr Saran told a briefing here after the talks. The Indians interpreted the US approach as being different from those of both China and an Italy and Pakistan-led group of UN member states opposed to any expansion in the Security Council.

“There is recognition that India is emerging as an economic powerhouse and that it has to be accommodated in international organizations,” said Mr Saran while explaining the US approach to India’s candidacy. Another issue that is hurting India’s bid to the UNSC is New Delhi’s demand that new members should also have veto powers like the permanent five —- the United States, Russia, China, Britain and France.

The New York Times recently reported that while the Bush administration is not opposed to reforming the UN, it does not want new members to have the veto power.

“We did not come to the point of discussing this,” said Mr Saran when asked to comment on the NYT report but diplomatic observers in Washington say that New Delhi’s demand for the veto power further undermines India’s position.

Recent official documents leaked to the media also indicate that the United States does not want to give the EU yet another seat on the Security Council by allowing Germany to enter the august body. This also could jeopardize the move for expanding the Security Council and thus damage India’s bid as well.