Wednesday, April 27 2005 19:26 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Strongly pitching in for comprehensive reforms of the United Nations reflecting current global realities, India today (Apr 27, 2005) backed UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's view that consensus should not become a vehicle for inaction or putting off decisions on the issue.

New Delhi's views were conveyed to Annan during his discussions with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh in New Delhi.

India highlighted the need for comprehensive UN reforms including expansion of the Security Council. New Delhi was in touch with a large number of countries and following this process closely.

External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna told reporters in New Delhi that the Indian side agreed with Annan's view that UN reforms should be finalised by September this year.

The Indian side also shared the view that consensus should not be allowed to become a reason for "inaction". It was noted that very often in the UN, consensus became co-terminus with unanimity. This resulted in the requirement of consensus being treated as an excuse for inaction.

After extensive discussions lasting 90 minutes, Natwar Singh hosted a lunch for Annan which was attended by Union Ministers for Commerce and Industry, Petroleum and Urban Development besides Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed and personalities from different walks of life.

The situation in Iraq, West Asia, Afghanistan, Sudan as also South Asia including Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar figured during the parleys.

Natwar Singh briefed Annan of the successful visits to India this month by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf.