New Delhi: Visualising India to be a major power, former British Prime Minister John Major today (Nov 6, 2004) backed its claim for permanent membership in the UN Security Council whose expansion was much-needed.

The Conservative Party leader of Britain also dispelled fears of Kashmir being a nuclear flashpoint, saying the situation had become "more hopeful" recently after India and Pakistan started their dialogue process.

"The world sees India as a growing opportunity. I expect it to have more role in world affairs," he said addressing 'The Hindustan Times Leadership Initiative Conference' in New Delhi.

Noting that India is poised to grow to become a major power in three decades, he said if "economic muscle" continued to be added to the "largest democracy", the progress can be faster.

He pointed out that India had already dominated the knowledge-based industry like Information Technology and has similar potential in the field of manufacturing sector.

"Much will change in the world. In a few years, India can be a permanent member of the UN Security Council," Major said adding, "Changes in the UN are necessary."

Other countries that he believed to be eligible for inclusion in the UNSC are Germany, Japan and South Africa or Nigeria.

He also saw India joining G-8 (Group of eight industrialised countries) in about 20 years.