PM Modi Critiques UN’s Relevance and Calls for Global Cooperation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a podcast with Lex Fridman, criticized the UN and international organizations for their irrelevance amidst growing global conflicts. He highlighted the limitations exposed by COVID-19 and called for cooperation and reform in global governance. Additionally, he reiterated India’s longstanding claim for a permanent seat on the UNSC, emphasizing that the current council structure is outdated.
During a recent podcast with American scientist Lex Fridman, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized international organizations, including the United Nations (UN), for their diminishing relevance amid escalating global conflicts. He remarked that these organizations, lacking essential reforms, are unable to fulfill their roles effectively, stating, “The international organizations that were created have become almost irrelevant, there is no reform in them. Institutions like the UN cannot play their role.” With conflicts in the Middle East and tensions between the US and China, Modi’s comments highlight a growing frustration with the current international order.
Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, PM Modi emphasized the constraints faced by every nation, urging unity and collaborative progress. He noted that the pandemic served as a humbling experience, where all countries were brought to a common level of vulnerability. Modi asserted, “Covid-19 has exposed the limitations of all of us… But unfortunately, the situation was such that instead of moving towards peace, the world disintegrated, a period of uncertainty came, and the war put it in more trouble,” stressing that lessons from the pandemic remain unheeded by the international community.
PM Modi advocates for a transition from conflict to cooperation, proposing a development-driven approach. He highlighted the interconnectedness of nations, stating, “As I said earlier, the world is interdependent, interconnected… Everyone needs everyone, no one can do anything alone.” He expressed hope for a resolution to ongoing tensions and emphasized the importance of mutual support among nations.
Last year, during his address at the UN’s ‘Summit of the Future’, Modi called for significant reforms within the UN to sustain its relevance in global governance, stating that global actions must align with global ambitions. He reaffirmed India’s long-standing claim for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), arguing that the current council does not reflect contemporary geopolitical realities.
India’s bid for permanent membership at the UNSC has been a consistent pursuit for decades, with the nation stressing that the council, established in 1945, is outdated. India last served as a non-permanent member in 2021-2022. The UNSC currently comprises five permanent members—Russia, the UK, China, France, and the United States—each possessing veto power over major resolutions. Notably, the UK, France, and the US have previously expressed support for India’s inclusion in the UNSC.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has articulated a strong critique of the UN and international organizations, labeling them as ‘almost irrelevant’ due to their lack of reform and failure to manage contemporary conflicts. He advocates for collaboration among nations, reflecting on lessons from COVID-19 to push for a united approach to addressing global challenges. Moreover, India’s quest for a permanent seat on the UNSC underscores the need for reform in global governance structures to reflect modern realities.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
