He also strongly batted for urgent UN reforms to mirror the current realities, saying the process should start this year, the 70th anniversary of the global body.

Hosting a summit of 14 island nations located in the strategically important Pacific region here, he pushed for balancing the global order on closer cooperation with these resource-rich countries.

He made a number of announcements aimed at deepening and broadening cooperation with these countries, including in the fields of disaster management, ocean research and education.

Addressing the second summit of Forum for India Pacific Island Countries (FIPIC), Modi announced the establishment of the FIPIC Trade Office in the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry in New Delhi, while observing that "trade, more than aid, is the enabler for development".

"We are at the cusp of a new era, where oceans, like Space, will become important drivers of our economies.

Their sustainable use can bring prosperity; and, give us clean energy, new medicines and food security beyond just fisheries," he said.

"Our global challenges are similar.Climate change is an existential threat to the Pacific Islands. It is also taking a toll on the teaming millions on India s shoreline of 7500 kilometres and its nearly 1300 islands, he said.

Referring to the climate conference in Paris to be held later this year, Modi said, "We both seek a concrete and effective outcome.

Noting that India has set a target of additional capacity of 175 gigawatt of renewable energy by 2022, he said national action will succeed only through a strong international partnership.

"As much as we speak of goals and emission reductions, we should focus equally on access to affordable technology and adequate finance that makes transition to clean energy natural and easy. Otherwise, experience shows that targets will remain difficult dreams," he said.

Underlining that climate change is a pressing concern for all, the Prime Minister said, "We must equally seek a global commitment to support adaptation to the growing impact of climate change on our lives and economy," an apparent message to the developed world.

"Combating it is India s national priority. We made this choice with the natural instinct of our heritage and culture. But we also do this in our enlightened self-interest and with a commitment to the future of our planet," he said.

The Prime Minister said India will work with these island nations and others for a comprehensive, balanced and fair outcome at COP-21 (Conference of Parties) in Paris in November this year.

India and the Pacific island nations should work together for a separate goal on climate change in the Sustainable Development Goals, and in a manner that addresses the interests of developing countries, Modi said.

Pushing for reform of the UN, the Prime Minister asserted that the global body must keep pace with the changing time as the world today is a different place seven decades after it was created.

He sought the support of Pacific island nations to India s bid for permanent seat in the expanded UN Security Council.

"Your voice of support for India's permanent membership of the Security Council will give the United Nations the global character and balance that mirrors our age, he said, adding the UN is at a historic milestone of its 70th anniversary.

"I have written to all member states on charting the course for the United Nations for the years ahead. Seven decades after the UN was created, the world is a different place. We have four times as many nations. We have new challenges like climate change. We have new frontiers like Space and Ocean. We live in a globalised world with a transformed economy in a digital age," he said.

The United Nations must keep pace with the changing world, Modi said.

Pushing for reforms in the UN Security Council to ensure its relevance and effectiveness in the 21st century, Modi sought support of the island nations for reforming the Security Council.

India, he said, will support the realisation of vision of the island countries for Pacific Regionalism.

He said the reform of the UN Security Council is in global interest and vital for more inclusive and equitable world.

The draft presented by the President of the General Assembly as the negotiating text should be adopted quickly and the negotiations concluded during the 70th session of the General Assembly (next month), Modi said.