The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, addressed the 75th UN General Assembly on Saturday. In a pre-recorded video, Modi asked UN to introspect its role and prevalence in today’s world, while also emphasising on India’s role as a global supplier of pharmaceuticals.
Unlike previous UNGA addresses by Indian representatives, words weren’t minced this time. While Modi highlighted India’s growing role in today’s world – including the distribution of pharmaceuticals and medical equipments during the pandemic, he also raised questions on the UN and called for a reform.
In a hard-hitting speech, Modi said:
“India is very proud that it is one of the founding countries of the United Nations. On this historic occasion today, I have come to share with you all the feelings of 130 crore people of India on this global platform.”
“If we don’t change with changing times, then the drive for change weakens. If we assess the achievements of UN in the last 75 years, there are several of them. But at the same time, there are several examples of that asks the organisation to introspect itself.”
“Today, there is a big question in front of the whole world community, is the form of the institution that was formed under the circumstances then relevant even today?”
“If we evaluate the achievements of the United Nations in the last 75 years, many achievements are seen.There are also many examples, which raise the need for serious introspection in front of the United Nations.”
Modi also highlighted that India has reached out to 150 countries to help with vaccines, which are currently under trials. He also asked for a reform in the UN body, and questioned why the UN has kept India out of decision making for so long.
For how long will India be kept out of the decision-making structures of the @UN? This is a country which is the largest democracy in the world. This is a country with more than 18% of the world population: Prime Minister of India, @narendramodi at the #UNGA pic.twitter.com/DaMCENFVJE
— United Nations in India (@UNinIndia) September 26, 2020
“For how long will India be kept out of the decision-making structures of the United Nations? This is a country which is the largest democracy in the world. This is a country with more than 18% of the world population.”
