New Delhi, Sep 4 (IANS) African countries are "sympathetic" to Shashi Tharoor's candidature for the post of UN Secretary General and India's quest for a permanent seat in the Security Council, Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi said here Monday.

Ravi, who met Ugandan President Yoweri Kagutta Museve and Kenyan Foreign Minister Raphel Tuju last week, said he had sought their support for India's membership to the Security Council.

"I have also sought support for the candidature of Shashi Tharoor as UN secretary general. The leaders were sympathetic to India's efforts," he told reporters.

"But they were of the view that a UNSC membership without veto power would not be a great idea. But I told them that insistence on veto power may make it impossible," Ravi said.

New Delhi is seeking an expanded UNSC and is promoting Tharoor, currently UN under secretary general for public affairs, as Kofi Annan's successor.

Ravi, the first Indian minister to visit Uganda after former prime minister I.K. Gujaral in 1997, also said better ties with the African nations would open up more avenues for Indians there.

"After visiting the two African countries, I felt India should have better ties with them. The countries really want to have good relations with India. In fact, Ugandan President Museve has special regards for India as he had studied in India," Ravi said.

While the 80,000-strong Indian community in Uganda contribute 60 percent of that country's economy, the 60,000 Indians in Kenya amount to provide 30 percent.

"They are keen to have more Indian presence there. We have already established ourselves in trade and industrial sectors, we have opportunities in service sector also," the minister explained.

He also extended an invitation to the Ugandan president to visit India.

During his visit, Ravi held discussions to increase cooperation in agricultural technology, agro processing, hydroelectric project, oil exploration, tourism, fish production and training in defence, health-care facilities and IT sectors.

In Uganda, Ravi also met Foreign Minister Sam Kutesa, Trade and Industry Minister Janat Kukwaya, Security Minister Amama Mbabazi, Energy and Mineral Development Minister Daudi Migereko, Minister of State for Internal Affairs Matia Kasaija and First Lady Janet Kataha Museveni.