US President Barack Obama has backed India's ambition for permanent membership of the UN Security Council. I n an address to India's parliament at the end of a three-day visit, Mr Obama lavishly praised India's development. His remarks will delight India, which has been lobbying for a seat at the UN's top table for years.

Analysts say it does not mean India will get a permanent seat immediately; the unspecified UN reforms Mr Obama mentioned could take years. The US leader also said the Washington-Delhi relationship would be one of this century's defining partnerships. The loudest applause came when Mr Obama told dignitaries: "As two global leaders, the United States and India can partner for global security - especially as India serves on the Security Council over the next two years.