Strong candidate

India has every right to be a member of the UN Security Council, E Ahamed, junior foreign minister said.

"How can the UN ignore a country that has one-fifth of the world's population," he asked. "We could play a role in resolving international disputes." Reminded that India had been unable to resolve Kashmir, he said "we are committed to continuing a composite dialogue with Pakistan on all subjects including Kashmir."

"It is uncharitable if anyone says we are going slow on Kashmir, you must bear in mind that pursuing talks with Pakistan have been part of India's foreign policy," he said.