New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that reforms in the United Nations is the need of the hour. Addressing the 75th United Nations General Assembly session this evening, Mr Modi asked for how long will India be kept out of the decision making structure of the UN. He said, the world has undergone a sea change and it is vastly different from the times that prevailed in 1945. He pointed out that while there has not been a third world war, there have been several wars, civil wars and terrorist attacks that shook the world.
Mr Modi asked where the United Nations is in the joint fight against the Coronavirus pandemic. He sought to know where its effective response was. He said, there were several stellar achievements of the UN over the last 75 years, but there were also several instances that point to the need for a serious introspection of the work of the United Nations.
The Prime Minister said, India is proud of the fact that it is one of the Founding Members of the United Nations. He said, people of India have been waiting for a long time for the UN reform process to get completed. He expressed Indian people’s concern whether this reform-process will ever reach its logical conclusion.
Mr Modi said, India has lost the maximum number of soldiers in the course of maintaining peace. He said, every Indian aspires for India’s expanded role in the United Nations. He stressed that India has always worked for the interests of humankind and not been driven by its own interests. From India’s Neighbourhood First Policy to Act East Policy, as well as idea of security and growth for all in the region, or views towards the Indo Pacific region, India has always worked towards the betterment of humankind. The Prime Minister said, India’s partnerships are always guided by this very principle. He added that any gesture of friendship by India towards one country is not directed against any third country.
The Prime Minister informed that even during the difficult times of COVID pandemic, the Indian pharmaceutical industry has sent essential medicines to more than 150 countries. He assured that as the largest vaccine producing country, India’s vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used to help all humanity in fighting the COVID pandemic. Starting from January next year, India will also fulfil its responsibility as a Non-Permanent Member of the Security Council. Mr Modi said, India will always speak in support of peace, security and prosperity. He emphasized that India will not hesitate in raising its voice against the enemies of humanity like terrorism.
The Prime Minister said, India is moving forward with the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. He stated that a Self-reliant India will also be a force multiplier for the global economy. He said, all efforts are being made to promote women entrepreneurship and leadership. Indian women, today, are the biggest beneficiaries of the world’s largest micro financing scheme. He said, the rights of transgenders are also being secured through necessary legal reforms
