Wednesday, April 27 2005 12:35 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh today (Apr 27, 2005) held discussions with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan on a wide range of issues covering UN reforms, security and development.

He is expected to make out a strong case for expansion of UN Security Council (UNSC) and India's inclusion as permanent member.

New Delhi has been advocating the need for reform of the UN so that it reflected the contemporary realities and became more relevant and effective in discharging its mandate.

Annan's visit takes place at a critical juncture with the Millennium Review Summit scheduled to be held in New York in September and New Delhi having intensive interaction with the UN on several important issues.

Annan had recently released his report 'In larger freedom: towards security, development and human rights for all' containing suggestions in the areas of development, security, human rights and reform of the UN system. The two sides discussed various elements of the Report.

During the parleys, India's initiative for a draft Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism is expected to be taken up. India had tabled this draft in 1996.

In his report, Annan strongly urged that a comprehensive convention on terrorism be concluded before the end of the 60th session of the UN General Assembly.

As a major troop contributing country to UN peacekeeping operations, India has participated in 42 of the 60 UN peacekeeping missions established so far.

Indian troops numbering over 71,000 have served in UN peacekeeping missions all over the world and in almost every UN peacekeeping in Africa. 109 Indian soldiers have so far made the supreme sacrifice under the UN flag.