Ban Ki-moon called on all countries to complete their domestic processes for ratification.
India's ratification of the Paris Climate Change agreement moves the world an "important step closer" towards achieving the goal of entering the landmark deal into force this year, UN chief Ban Ki-moon said.
The UN Secretary General said there is no better way to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi and his legacy for people and planet as India will submit its instrument of ratification to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change on October 2, Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary.
"I warmly congratulate India for its climate leadership, and for building on the strong momentum we see from all corners of the globe for the agreement to enter into force as quickly as possible this year. India's ratification of the agreement moves the world an important step closer toward achieving that goal," Mr Ban said in his message on the International Day of Non-violence, to be observed on October 2.
The UN Chief said that every year on the International Day of non-violence, the world body recommits itself to the cause of peace, as exemplified by the life of Mahatma Gandhi who was born on this day 147 years ago.
"In all he did, Gandhi honoured our obligation to all living things. He reminded us that 'Earth provides enough to satisfy everyone's needs, but not everyone's greed'. Gandhi also challenged us to 'be the change we wish to see in the world'," Mr Ban said.
He said the commitment to sustainable living that Mahatma Gandhi emphasised on is reflected in a "momentous way" as India is depositing its instrument of ratification to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
"What better way to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi and his legacy for people and planet," he said.
"We know that a culture of non-violence begins with respect for others, but it does not end there. To nurture peace, we must respect nature. I am pleased this year's International Day of Non-violence puts the focus on sustainability and the environment," the UN Chief said.
Mr Ban called on all countries to complete their domestic processes for ratification and also strive in all activities to achieve progress through non-violence.
The UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser on the Agenda for Sustainable Development David Nabarro also said the landmark Paris Agreement on climate change signed by world leaders this April is closer to entering into force, as India - a country that produces more than four per cent of global emissions - plans to submit its ratification at the end of the week.
Adopted in Paris by the 195 Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change at a conference last December, the Agreement calls on countries to combat climate change and to accelerate and intensify the actions and investments needed for a sustainable low-carbon future, as well as to adapt to the increasing impacts of climate change.
Specifically, it seeks to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius, and to strive for 1.5 degrees Celsius.
The pact - which was signed in New York in April by 175 countries at the largest, single-day signing ceremony in history - will enter into force 30 days after at least 55 countries, accounting for 55 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, deposit their instruments of ratification.
During the UN General Assembly's general debate this past week, 32 more countries deposited their instruments of ratification for the Agreement, bringing the total to 61 countries that have formally joined the pact, and officially crossing one of the two thresholds required to bring it into force.
Those 61 countries together represent 47.79 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Following the announcement regarding India, formal approval from countries representing slightly more than three per cent in global emissions is still needed.
In early September, the world's two largest emitters, China and the US, joined the agreement.
Mr Nabarro expressed confidence that the Agreement will enter into force at some point this year, highlighting that at least 14 other countries, representing at least 12 per cent of global emissions, have committed to ratifying the pact.
"There's a kind of race going on now, for countries to come in there and make sure that they are part of the ratification community - to show that they are part of wanting to get the Agreement into force," he said.