Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would leave for

New York on Wednesday for a six-day visit to attend the

United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Summit.

Away from domestic troubles, Singh would focus on international affairs over the next few days. Even before he leaves, the prime minister has showed that no one could dictate terms to him in international engagements. He was assertive in deciding his bilateral meetings on the sidelines, which has been creating ripples.

Apparently, despite protests from within the ministry of external affairs (MEA), Singh's meeting with Iranian President Mehmoud Ahmedinejad on the sidelines of the summit has been firmed up. Some in the ministry had reservations about the venue of the meeting -- the United States.

However, former diplomat Lalit Mansingh said, "I'm not aware of these reservations but I'm surprised there should be any such reservations at all. The prime minister can meet whoever he likes wherever. On the agenda with him will be a lot. Most important... situation in Afghanistan."

Singh would address the UNGA on the morning of September 24. Security and terrorism would be the thrust of Singh's address to the UNGA.

Apart from that, India would make a spirited pitch for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). It is manoeuvring at the 193-member UNGA that would help India garner the votes.

The economist prime minister would then also talk about the precarious global economic situation.

Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai said, "We will raise the issue of counter-terrorism and try to ensure that all nations cooperate in our issue of counter-terrorism."

There was speculation that Singh would meet US President Barack Obama and Pakistan Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani. However, both the meetings have not worked out.

Singh would, however, hold bilateral talks with Nepal Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and South Sudan President Salva Kiir.