UN Secretary General in India: Antonio Guterres to call on PM Modi, participate in Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, who is on his maiden visit to India, will be meeting the top leadership of the country including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The UN Secretary General will also participate in Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention.

The UN Chief is likely to discuss key global issues such as climate change and terrorism during his three-day visit.

In an earlier interview to the PTI the UN Chief said that India is an "important partner" of the UN in countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism. Gutterres also said there are plans to step up cooperation between the UN and India on strengthening  capacity in combating terror financing

On Monday, the UN Chief heaped praises on India and said that it is impossible to build a multipolar world without a very relevant role of India.

READ | United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres To Embark His Three-day Visit To India. All Details Here

He also lauded India saying it is becoming a fundamental pillar of multilateralism.

"India is becoming a fundamental pillar of multilateralism, and at the same time, as we want a multipolar world, it is impossible to build a multipolar world without a very relevant role of India," Guterres said.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the UN House, Guterres said India is now  becoming a global power, and is batting for a comprehensive approach towards development.  

He said the United Nations should work with India, support its development plans and back its leadership in regard to climate change and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Guterres arrived in India on Monday as the head of the world body and his visit coincides with the commencement of events marking the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

He will also deliver a lecture at the India Habitat Centre on the theme of 'Global challenges, global solutions'.

On Tuesday, the UN chief will meet Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and participate in the second re-invest and first assembly of the International Solar Alliance, and energy ministers meet of the Indian Ocean Rim Association member countries.

On October 3, Guterres will attend the 'Champions of Earth' ceremony here and meet External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. The same day, he will visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar and leave for New York in the early hours of October 4.

Guterres had visited India in July 2016, just months ahead of the election for secretary general.

(With PTI Inputs)