Modi meets Ban, reiterates call for UN reforms

In his first interaction with United Nation’s Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a pitch for reforms in the world body, its Security Council in particular, ahead of its 70^th anniversary to be observed in 2015.

“Prime Minister made a very strong pitch that United Nations need to reform and India stands ready to work with the Secretary General who should take the lead in trying to reform various aspects of the working of United Nations,” said Syed Akbaruddin, Spokesperson of India’s External Affairs Ministry in New York on September 27.

Modi met Ban ahead of his maiden address to the UN General Assembly. The two leaders discussed India’s contribution to peacekeeping forces, and the vital issue of climate change.

In his maiden address to the UNGA, Modi strongly stressed on reforms in the prevailing structure of the Security Council and it’s functioning.

He said that institutions of the 20^th century could not contribute effectively in the 21^st century as such they need to be reformed to stay relevant in tune with the progressive trends.

“We must reform the United Nations, including the Security Council, and make it more democratic and participative,” said Modi at the 69^th annual session of the 193 countries at the UN General Assembly.

“Institutions that reflect the imperatives of 20^th century won’t be effective in the 21^st. It would face the risk of irrelevance; and we will face the risk of continuing turbulence with no one capable of addressing it,” added Modi.

He set the deadline of 2015 as the perfect time of reform the UNSC.

On his part, Ban thanked and appreciated India’s contribution to UN’s peacekeeping efforts. He also lauded Modi for his focus on improving the socio-economic well-being of the India’s people.

“The Secretary-General expressed his admiration for the Prime Minister’s focus on improving the socio-economic well-being of all Indian people. They discussed climate change and the need to address this challenge,” said Ban’s spokesperson in a statement after the meeting.

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