Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh left for New York this morning to attend the United Nations General Assembly meeting. In his departure statement, the Prime Minister confirmed that he would be meeting his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif during his visit to the US. Dr. Singh also said, he looks forward to bilateral meetings with other leaders of some neighbouring countries, including Bangladesh and Nepal on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meeting. Dr. Singh and Sharif are expected to meet in New York on Sunday. The issue of terrorism emanating from Pakistan is expected to figure prominently during the meeting between the two leaders. India has maintained that terrorism emanating from Pakistan and territories held under its control are a matter of concern.
In his statement, Dr. Singh also said the Indo-US ties have transformed into a global strategic partnership. Dr. Singh said, New Delhi sees the US as a long term partner in India's development efforts and in fostering global environment conducive for the country's growth. The Prime Minister said, for India, the US remains a key source of technology, investment, innovation and resources and one of the most important destination for our goods and services. Dr. Singh is scheduled to meet US President Barack Obama in Washington on Friday.
The Prime Minister said, during his address to UN General Assembly, he will convey India's strong conviction that global challenges are best addressed through multilateral approach with the United Nations at its Centre. He also stressed the need for early reforms in institutions of global, political and economic governance particularly the United Nations Security Council so that UN can play an effective and credible role. Dr. Singh is scheduled to address the Assembly on Saturday.