Onboard, Sep 22 (ANI): The Ministry of External Affairs has said the country has 'impeccable credentials' to prove it deserved to be a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
Ministry spokesperson Vishnu Prakash revealed this to Asian News International (ANI) onboard the aircraft ferrying Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and his entourage to New York.
Stressing that time was ripe for sweeping reforms in the existing structure of the United Nations, Prakash said Dr. Singh proposes to further pitch for permanent membership for India in the UNSC during his address to the General Assembly in New York on September 24.
"India has also become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council after 19 years. In August we were the President of the UN Security Council. In addition to that, we believe that we have impeccable credentials to become a permanent member and we are also keen that UN needs a reform, because these institutions were established in 1945. So, Prime Minister is expected to speak about some of these issues," said Prakash.
"During his visit, Dr. Singh is also expected to meet several international leaders to enhance bilateral ties and India's image on the global stage, added Prakash.
"He is also likely to have a number of bilateral meetings, including with the newly elected Prime Minister of Japan, with the Prime Minister of Nepal, with the President of South Sudan, which is by the way the newest member of the comity of nations, the President of Sri Lanka and President of Iran," said Prakash.
Coming after a gap of three years, Dr. Singh's visit to the UN General Assembly is significant as he is expected to raise several issues of international concern, such as the simmering turmoil in West Asia and North Africa, militancy and the global economic crisis. By Naveen Kapoor (ANI)
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