By IRNA,
New Delhi : Describing India as “a leading voice in the developing world, a long-established democracy and a growing economic power,” UN Chief Ban Ki-Moon lauded India’s contribution to the UN peacekeeping operations around the world.
“This country’s contribution has helped to make our peacekeeping operations more effective in some of the world’s toughest places, from the former Yugoslavia a decade ago to the Democratic Republic of Congo today,” Ban told reporters at the end of his two-day visit to India – his first to the country since he became secretary general of the global body nearly two years ago.
India currently provides more than 8,000 troops for UN peacekeeping operations, making it the third largest contributor after Pakistan and Bangladesh.
“Our discussions have reaffirmed my belief that, as India reaps the benefit of its economic growth and its commitment to democracy, it stands ready to play a greater role on the world stage,” Ban said after holding talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, President Pratibha Patil and External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee.
Thanking India for its strong support to the UN in many areas, the UN chief stressed that “India has been and still is a very engaged partner in international affairs.”
“The UN counts on India as an enduring partner in facing ever-more complex global challenges,” Ban stressed.
Describing the UN reforms as “one of the most important items,” he said: “Everybody wants to see an enlarged Security Council which is more representative and democratic.”
Indicating that the reform process was moving, he said member states had adopted a resolution at the conclusion of the 63rd session of the UN General Assembly last month about beginning informal discussions on this issue at the plenary level.
“Member states should demonstrate political will and flexibility that they are able to agree on a final draft (for the expansion of the Security Council),” he said.
Ban also called for strong and active participation on the ongoing global discussions on climate change and stressed that India’s contribution can be “very effective” in a globally acceptable agreement to replace the Kyoto Protocol by the end of the next year.
Climate change was among global issues, which also included the international financial crisis, terrorism, and the situation in Myanmar and Pakistan that figured in his discussions with Indian leaders.
He also praised India’s constructive role in promoting democratic transition in Myanmar and hoped that it would continue to help in this process.
Underlining his concerns about the spurt in terrorism and extremism, Ban expressed hope that India and Pakistan will continue to improve their relations through dialogue.