French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Tuesday said a reformed United Nations Security Council (UNSC) with India as a permanent member should come about next year and once at the high table, it will need to commit more troops for UN-mandated missions to defend peace.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy with wife Carla Bruni during their India visit. Photo-AP
"It is time in 2011, not even in 2012," the French president said during an address to business leaders at hotel Taj Mahal in Mumbai before ending his four-day trip to India.
Sarkozy said changing the global high table "is not a matter of choice" and added, "If you demand it, no one can resist".
Sarkozy, who while backing India's quest for the UNSC permanent membership had earlier said that a rising power with a population of over 1 billion cannot be kept away from the global high table, also reminded India of the increased responsibilities that would come its way.
"You will have to send troops beyond your borders to defend peace," he said, adding, this definitely comes at a cost as precious lives can be lost.
"We (France) have also lost lives, it is painful. That is the price you pay (for being a big power)," he said in his 30-minute extempore address.
"You will have to shoulder responsibilities and we will help you doing so," Sarkozy said.
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