India has the second biggest population in the world. It is the biggest democracy. They also have nuclears
I think they deserve to be in the security council. We need some more friends there.
Cyprus today backed India's bid for permanent membership of expanded UN Security Council, citing its contribution in the international affairs and its growing economic power.
Visiting Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos also invited Indian companies, saying his country was an "ideal destination" in certain areas and can become the "window to the European Union" for India.
"We believe India deserves a seat in the UNSC," he said while delivering a lecture on 'Cyprus as a bridge between India and the European Union' here.
"We recognise India's contribution in international affairs," he said.
Papadopoulos said India also was a growing economic power which made it an ideal candidate for permanent membership of UN Security Council.
He said the two countries should further strengthen their historic friendship in both economic and political spheres.
He emphasised that Cyprus was an "ideal destination for Indian companies in the Information Technology, Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical sectors" and the products can be readily exported to the EU through Cyprus.
"Cyprus can become the window to the European Union" for India, the President said.
