India to take up UNSC expansion issue with Annan

Reforms in the United Nations and, in particular, the on going debate over UN Security Council expansion will figure prominently when UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan visits India on his way back from Asian-African Summit in Jakarta.

Annan is expected to land in New Delhi on April 25. He is slated to meet the Indian leadership and discuss a range of issues including UN reforms. With India pushing for permanent membership of the UN Security Council, officials said the issue of its expansion will be of prime importance to New Delhi. This will be Annan’s third visit to India since he took charge. This time he is expected to meet President A.P.J Abdul Kalam, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition L.K. Advani.

Having unveiled his programme for reforms and expansion, officials said, Annan will look to get views of the Indian leadership during his visit.

Meanwhile, Annan today welcomed the positive developments in India-Pakistan relations and also appreciated the joint statement between the Prime Minister and Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf yesterday.