By IANS,
London : Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma is to visit India Feb 4-11 for discussions on the current global economic scenario on the 60th anniversary of the grouping, his office announced Monday.
Sharma will address international and local audiences, focussing on the current global economic situation, and “the pressing need” for reform of international institutions and collective action by all governments.
Sharma, who will also call on External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, said his visit to India “holds great significance”.
“This year, the Commonwealth marks its 60th anniversary. India was central to the creation of the modern Commonwealth, negotiated in the London Declaration of April 1949,” he said.
“Over the years, the growth of this country’s democracy, development and diversity have mirrored all the goals, challenges and achievements of the wider Commonwealth. In 2009, India and the Commonwealth are transforming partners in a globalising world,” Sharma, a former Indian high commissioner in London, added.