Russia has expressed support of India's hopes to become a veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council.
Aides to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is now visiting India, said he believes that all permanent Security Council members should enjoy veto rights if the council is expanded.
The clarification came after Indian media reported that Mr. Putin's comments Friday appeared to cast doubt on India's hopes. The Russian president had said that any reforms should not undermine the Security Council's effectiveness.
Russia, France, the United States, China and Britain, the five current permanent Security Council members, all have veto power.
Saturday, Mr. Putin called for a new high-technology partnership with India during a visit to Bangalore, the nation's technology center.
His visit is aimed at boosting technological, military and trade cooperation between the two countries, which have had close ties since the Cold War.