PARIS: Making a strong pitch for India's permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that the primary UN body cannot claim to be speaking for the world when its most populous country and largest democracy is not a permanent member.
He made the remark during an interview with French newspaper 'Les Echos' ahead of his two-day official visit to France that begins later on Thursday. On whether the credibility of the UN was at stake, with India still not finding permanent membership in the UNSC, Prime Minister Modi said the UN was one of many global institutions that were founded in the wake of the Second World War, and it has to be seen whether they are representative of today's world, which has transformed a lot in the last eight decades.
Further, speaking to Les Echos, PM Modi said, "The issue is not just of credibility, but something much larger. I believe that the world needs to have an honest discussion about the multilateral governance structures that were built in the aftermath of the Second World War."
He added that nearly eight decades after the institutions were created, the world has transformed, the number of member countries has grown fourfold, and the character of the global economy has also changed.
"We live in an era of new technology. New powers have risen, causing a relative shift in the global balance. We face new challenges, including climate change, cyber security, terrorism, space security, and pandemics. I could go on about the changes. In this changed world, many questions arise: are these representative of today's world? Are they able to discharge the roles for which they were set up? Do countries around the world feel that these organisations matter or are relevant?" PM Modi said
He said, "How can the UN Security Council claim to be speaking for the world when its most populous country and largest democracy is not a permanent member?"
"The UN Security Council, in particular, epitomises this dissonance. How can we talk of it as the primary organ of a global body when entire continents like Africa and Latin America are ignored? How can it claim to speak for the world when its most populous country and its largest democracy are not permanent members? And its skewed membership leads to opaque decision-making processes, which adds to its helplessness in addressing the challenges of today," he added.
Appreciating the position of France in the matter, Prime Minister Modi said the voices of all countries must be heard with respect to proposed changes to the UN Security Council.
"I think most countries are clear on what changes they would like to see in the UN Security Council, including on the role India should play. We just need to listen to their voice and heed their advice. I must appreciate the clear and consistent position that France has taken in this matter," he added.
Earlier, on Thursday, PM Modi embarked on a visit to France at the invitation of President Marcon.
He will be the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day Parade of France on July 14, where the tri-services of the Indian armed forces contingent will be participating.
Three Rafale fighters will also perform a flypast in the parade.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership, and the Prime Minister's visit will provide an opportunity to chart the course of the partnership for the future across diverse sectors such as strategic, cultural, scientific, academic, and economic cooperation.
During his visit to France from July 13-14, PM Modi will hold formal talks with President Emmanuel Macron. Macron will host a State Banquet as well as a private dinner in honour of the Prime Minister.
Also, during his visit, PM Modi will meet the Indian diaspora and leading CEOs from both nations. (ANI)
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