Sushma likely to focus on terrorism, climate change, SDG at UNGA

Terrorism, climate change, reforms in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) are some of the issues that External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj is likely to touch upon during her speech at the 73rd United Nations General Assembly on Saturday evening.

On terrorism, it is expected that apart from regional and global challenges, Swaraj will also talk about issues related to Pakistan-sponsored cross border terrorism. EAM had raised the issue during the meeting of Foreign Ministers of SAARC countries on the sidelines of UNGA also where she emphasised it as "single largest threat to peace and stability" in the region.

A victim of terror attacks, India has been pushing for Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) for global cooperation in combating the menace. CCIT will provide a legal framework to prevent global funding and safe havens to the terror groups. India had proposed CCIT in 1996 and it is, however, still under discussion.

Swaraj is also expected to touch upon the issue of much-needed reforms in the United Nations Security Council. India has been making strong diplomatic efforts for the expansion of the UN body to allow more members in Permanent and Non-Permanent category.

According to sources, the minister may also touch upon SDG and the recent Indian flagship initiatives to achieve these targets. India is also expected to reiterate its obligation on climate change and its commitment to address this.