UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary-General

Ban Ki-moon

has expressed gratitude to

Prime Minister

Narendra Modi for India's "significant contribution" to peacekeeping operations and voiced admiration for his focus on improving the socio-economic well-being of the country's people.

Modi met Ban ahead of his maiden address to the

UN General Assembly

and the two leaders discussed regional issues as well as climate change.

"The Secretary-General expressed his admiration for the Prime Minister's focus on improving the socio-economic well-being of all Indian people. They discussed climate change and the need to address this challenge.

"The Secretary-General thanked India for its significant contribution to

United Nations

peacekeeping operations. They also discussed regional issues," Ban's spokesperson said in a statement.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson

Syed Akbaruddin

told reporters that the two leaders discussed issues like imminent reforms in the UN and the need to involve countries contributing peace troops in the decision making process of the multilateral institution.

Modi made a strong pitch before Ban for the UN reforms before its 70th anniversary next year, Akbaruddin said.