Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the UN and international organizations for becoming ‘almost irrelevant’ due to a lack of reforms, particularly amid rising global conflicts. He reflected on lessons from Covid-19 that highlighted the need for unity and advocated for development-driven cooperation between nations. Modi also reiterated India’s long-standing claim for a permanent UN Security Council seat, citing the council’s outdated structure.
During a recent podcast with Lex Fridman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized international organizations, particularly the United Nations, for becoming “almost irrelevant” in managing global conflicts, including tensions between the United States and China and wars in the Middle East. He expressed concern that these institutions lack necessary reforms and fail to uphold international laws, allowing actors to operate without accountability.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic, which he described as revealing the vulnerabilities of all nations. He emphasized that despite advances in technology and medicine, countries were brought back to fundamental issues during the crisis. The pandemic’s aftermath, he noted, should have prompted a shift towards a more peaceful coexistence, yet conflicts have only intensified instead.
The Prime Minister called for a transition from conflict to cooperation, advocating for a development-focused approach in international relations. He reaffirmed that nations must realize their interconnectedness and interdependence. Modi stressed that no country can thrive independently in today’s world and expressed hope for an eventual reduction in global conflicts.
Previously, at the UN’s ‘Summit of the Future’, PM Modi made a compelling case for reforming the UN, arguing that relevant global action is essential to match the ambitions of the international community. He stated that reform is critical for the UN’s continued effectiveness.
India has long sought a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), arguing that the council, established in 1945, is outdated and does not reflect current geopolitical dynamics. Historically, India has participated as a non-permanent member, most recently during the 2021-2022 term. The UNSC currently includes five permanent members with veto power: Russia, the UK, China, France, and the United States, three of whom have signaled support for India’s inclusion in the council.
In summary, Prime Minister Modi’s recent statements critically address the limitations of international organizations such as the UN in effectively managing global crises, advocating for significant reforms. He underscored the crucial lessons from Covid-19 regarding global unity and interdependence. Furthermore, he reiterated India’s aspirations to secure a permanent position at the UNSC, reflecting contemporary geopolitical requirements and emphasizing collaborative development as the path forward.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
