UN chief conveys wishes to India on Republic Day

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said that India is "critical" to achieving success across the world body's ambitious development agenda and in forging a new legal climate agreement in 2015 as he conveyed his wishes to the country on its 66th Republic Day.
In a significant departure from normal protocol, Ban conveyed his wishes to India on its Republic Day celebrated on January 26 with fervour and national pride across the country.
Starting his message with a 'Namaste', Ban said the significant milestone anniversary for India comes in a "very important" 70th anniversary year for the United Nations.
"We are not just commemorating seven decades of past history - we are aiming to shape a new future. 2015 is our time to finish our campaign for the Millennium Development Goals, adopt a new set of sustainable development goals and forge a meaningful new legal climate agreement," he said.

Ban said India is "critical to success across this ambitious agenda," which is why he began "this crucial year with a visit" to New Delhi and Gujarat from January 9 to 13.
Ban's message was read by his Special Advisor on Myanmar Vijay Nambiar during a Republic Day reception hosted by the Indian Permanent Mission to the UN here yesterday.

The UN Chief expressed his deep gratitude to India for its many contributions in the fields of peacekeeping, democracy and development.
"India's Republic Day is a chance to reflect on how a strong India-UN partnership can build a better future," he said as he called on New Delhi to further strengthen its collaboration with the UN to realize "our shared goals."

The UN Chief ended his message with a 'Jai Hind and 'Dhanyavaad'.