Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrived in Frankfurt on Wednesday night en-route to New York where he will attend the 66th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.  

Dr Singh stayed in Frankfurt overnight and will leave for New York on Thursday. 

In a statement before leaving for Frankfurt en-route to New York, Dr Singh had pressed for an early reform of the United Nations, particularly an expansion of the Security Council, noting it must be seen as an impartial, credible and effective world body. 

Dr Singh also said efforts by India to promote international peace and security after it became a non-permanent member of the Security Council has enriched the policy making body’s effectiveness. 

“The United Nations must be seen as an impartial, credible and effective body. I will stress the need for early reform of this unique organisation, particularly an expansion of its Security Council,” he said.  

India is seeking a permanent berth in the Security Council. It became a non-permanent member of this body in January this year after a gap of 19 years. The Prime Minister is attending the UNGA after a gap of two years.