Shashi Tharoor takes over as MoS External Affairs

Shashi Tharoor, who failed to become UN chief three years ago, today took charge as Minister of State for External Affairs, a portfolio the former UN diplomat says he is very happy to be in.

"I am very happy to be here. This is a ministry that I have had very very good, constructive and positive dealings with for many many years and to be part of this is a real privilege" 53-year-old Tharoor told reporters.

He said India has been occupying an important place in the world and that he will contribute in his own way to further strengthen that "honoured place".

"India's place in the world is of great importance. India is a country which for the longest period of time, since the days of Jawaharlal Nehru, has had an honoured place in the world ...And I wish to make my own contribution for strengthening that very honoured place," he said.

Asked whether he will pursue India's case for a permanent membership in the UN Security Council, Tharoor who served as Undersecretary General for Communications and Public Information, said the government has a very clear policy on the issue.

"There are very clear policies of the government of India on these issues. I certainly hope to be a good and faithful servant of these policies," he said.

Asked to comment on the spate of attacks on Indian students in Australia, Tharoor said he needed to be briefed on the matter first.

"I have not had any chance to be briefed on anything. I need to learn before I speak," Tharoor, who won the Lok Sabha election from Thiruvananthapuram, said.

He also thanked the voters of his constituency for giving him the opportunity to represent them in the the Lok Sabha.

"As far as my voters are concerned I owe them a great deal of gratitude for sending me to Delhi. I want to show them that their interests are not forgotten as I focus on the work of the Ministry," he said.

"There is lot that needs to be done in Thiruvananthapuram as well and that will also be attended to."

On whether he would prefer to concentrate on the Gulf or the African region, Tharoor said he would do whatever External Affairs Minister S M Krishna would like him do.

The first time MP said he has great respect for Krishna and was looking forward to work with him.

Tharoor was received at his office by Foreign Secretary.Shivshankar Menon and other senior officials of the Ministry.