India become the member of United Nations Security Council i.e. new non-permanent member for a term of two years during which it it can retain the position of President twice-one in August and again later next year, most likely in November 2012, during its two-year term.
The UN Security Council has 15 members, five of which are veto wielding permanent members, while the rest 10 are non—permanent members; half of which are elected every alternate years for a two—year term.
India, Germany, Portugal, South Africa and Columbia joined the Security Council as its new non-permanent members on January 1 while the five existing non-permanent members are Bosnia, Brazil, Gabon, Lebanon and Nigeria.
India so far has been elected to the Security Council for seven times including the current 2010-2012 term. India was elected to this prestigious body soon after its independence 1950—1951; thereafter it was elected in 1967—68; 1972—73; 1977—78; 1984—85 and 1991—92.
