Addressing the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Saturday, 26 September, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pitched for a reform in the responses, in the processes and in the very character of the UN, saying that it is the "need of the hour."
“For how long will India be kept out of the decision-making structures of UN”, he asked.
Call for Reforms, Bigger Role for India
“If we were to make an objective assessment of the performance of UN over the last 75 years, we see several stellar achievements. But at the same time, there are also several instances that point to the need for a serious introspection of the work of the UN," Modi was quoted as saying at the outset of his address.
“Over the last 8 to 9 months, the whole world has been battling the pandemic of the coronavirus. Where is the UN in this joint fight against the pandemic? Where is its effective response?”PM Modi, as quoted by ANI
Pointing out that while the UN enjoys "unparalleled" faith and respect among the people of India, he said that the country has been waiting for a long time for the reforms to be carried out. "Today, people of India are concerned whether this reform-process will ever reach its logical conclusion. For how long will India be kept out of the decision-making structures of the UN?” he questioned.
Asserting that India has lost the maximum number of soldiers in the course of maintaining peace, Modi went on to say, "Today every Indian, while seeing the contribution of India in UN, aspires for India’s expanded role in the United Nations."
On Terrorism, Relations With Other Countries
With India's tenure as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC) commencing from January 2021, Modi on Saturday said that the country will always speak in support of peace, security and prosperity.
“India will not hesitate in raising its voice against the enemies of humanity, human race and human values – these include terrorism, smuggling of illegal weapons, drugs and money-laundering.”PM Modi at UNGA, as quoted by ANI
He also asserted that any gesture of friendship by India towards one country is not directed against any third country. "When India strengthens its development partnership, it is not with any malafide intent of making others dependent or hapless."
On COVID-19, ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’
With the address coming at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has left the world stumbling, Modi on Saturday assured the global community that India's vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used to help all humanity in fighting the disease.
"Even during these very difficult times of the raging pandemic, the pharmaceutical industry of India has sent essential medicines to more than 150 countries," he said.
In his speech, he also made a reference to his call for an 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', saying that a self-reliant India will be a "force multiplier for the global economy."
The UN General Assembly this year is largely being held online due to the coronavirus pandemic.
World leaders, including PM Modi, are delivering pre-recorded video statements at the summit that is being held at the United Nations office in New York.
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