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German Ambassador to India Michael Steiner has supported India's claim for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), while demanding a spot in the elite group also. "Both Germany and India were serious contenders of being granted a permanent seat in the Security Council," Steiner said. "It is very clear that India should have a permanent seat in the Security Council. Germany has the same request, if you look at our contribution, we think it's legitimate that we foster also in this direction, but the point is for us that we, have, in the long term want to achieve a common European foreign policy and of course see this also in the aspect of in speaking with one voice also in the Security Council. But of course, as India endorses the German request, we endorse the Indian quest, there is no doubt," he added. India has been pushing for reforms in the Security Council - currently comprising of U.S. , UK , Russia , France and China as its permanent members - so that the body, formulated after the end of the Second World War, is updated to the current world dominating blocks. India is currently a temporary member of the Security Council, along with Brazil . Steiner also welcomed the proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union, which is the expected to be signed by the end of this year. "I am looking very much forward that we can achieve what the Commerce Minister has envisaged with his colleague from the European Commission and that is to finalise the EU-India free trade agreement (FTA), by the end of this year. And that's the part of it, a long term perspective, and of course a direction to EU-India cooperation," Steiner added. The target of bilateral trade worth 20 billion euros, as set by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chancellor Angela Merkel was set to be achieved, despite global slowdown, Steiner observed. "As you know, the EU is the biggest trading partner for India and Germany is the biggest European trading partner. You might know that our political leaders, Prime Minister (Manmohan) Singh and Chancellor (Angela) Merkel have set the target for the end of this year to reach the trade volume of 20 billion euros, this target, despite difficulties, of 20 billion we seem to achieve," said Steiner. He also said that both countries were far from achieving their true capability and the bilateral relations, which he termed as 'perfect in all weathers' was yet to fulfill it's true potential. "Yes, we have regular governmental consultations; we have close cultural, scientific and technological ties. We have soon 20 billion euro trade volume and this is all nice to have but against the Indian-German potential it's relatively meagre and I think we do not seize enough yet, these infinite opportunities, India and Germany have indeed. So, the sky is the limit, we can do much more," he added.

German envoy bats for India's permanent membership in UNSC