India (Commonwealth Union)_ Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is fervently advocating for India’s permanent membership in the UN Security Council, stated that India, currently the world’s most populous country, needs to reclaim its rightful position. During an interview with the French publication, PM Modi emphasized that the issue is not just of credibility; it is much broader. He questioned how the Security Council, which claims to represent the world, can exclude the most populous nation and the largest democracy from its permanent membership.
PM Modi stated that the UN Security Council exemplified the dissonance of an institution out of sync with the changing global order, highlighting its imbalanced composition, which leads to opaqueness in decision-making processes and renders it helpless in addressing contemporary challenges. He noted that most countries share the view that reforms are necessary, including granting India an influential role in the Security Council, a sentiment that French President Emmanuel Macron also expressed. PM Modi conveyed these sentiments to the French media from his official residence in Delhi before embarking on his trip to France, where he is set to be the guest of honor at the Bastille Day celebrations.
Further, the Prime Minister underscored India’s significance as the world’s largest democracy with unparalleled social and economic diversity, stating that its success would serve as evidence that harmony can flourish even amidst diversity. Simultaneously, PM Modi expressed the need for adjustments in the international system and institutions to grant the world’s largest democracy the rightful place that it deserves. He also highlighted India’s crucial role as a strong bridge between the Global South and the West, shedding light on the long-standing denial of rights to the Global South. He expressed the anguish felt by Global South nations, which often find themselves compelled to take action but lacking representation and a voice in decision-making processes. PM Modi lamented the lack of respect for the true spirit of democracy in relation to the Global South.
Further, PM Modi expanded on his well-known comment to Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the conflict in Ukraine, asserting that ‘today is not an era of war’. He voiced deep concern about the impact of the war on the world, particularly on the Global South. He further clarified that India’s stance has remained consistent and transparent. India has also consistently advocated for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve issues and offered its support for any genuine efforts to end the conflict. PM Modi emphasized the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations, abiding by international law, and adhering to the principles outlined in the United Nations Charter.
The PM said, “India’s stand has been clear, transparent, and consistent. I have said that it is not an era of war. We have urged both sides to resolve issues through dialogue and diplomacy. I told them that India is ready to support all genuine efforts that can help bring this conflict to an end. We believe that all countries have an obligation to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries, to abide by international law, and to adhere to the UN Charter”.
Addressing India’s soft power, PM Modi highlighted that India’s exports have never been centered around war and subjugation, but rather encompass yoga, Ayurveda, spirituality, science, mathematics, and astronomy. Further, India has always been a contributor to global peace and progress. He said, “Our exports have never been war and subjugation, but yoga, ayurveda, spirituality, science, mathematics, and Astronomy. We have always been a contributor to global peace and progress.”
Lastly, in response to a question about the universality of “western values” and whether other nations should forge their own path, PM Modi contended that progress can only be achieved by relinquishing anachronistic and outdated notions. He asserted that the world should embrace a more inclusive approach, allowing each country to find its own unique trajectory.
