Words and deeds: On PM Modi’s speech at UNGA

for the third consecutive year, and their fourth such speech Since being elected in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the United Nations General Assembly, underscores his vision of India’s place in the world. Referring to India’s large population, he said the world grows when India grows, and points to examples of the country’s progress and influence when India improves: in the fields of vaccines and pharmaceuticals, particularly To combat COVID, green technology and promise. 450 GW of renewable energy and poverty alleviation by 2030. He also pointed out how many Indians were provided with water connections, banking access, insurance coverage, health services and homes, although he claims that these “all-inclusive” development goals were achieved only in the “last seven years”. politically influenced. Partisan note that was out of place. Moving on to regional matters, Mr. Modi pointed to the difference between India’s and Pakistan’s and China’s actions in indirect contexts. In a clear message to Pakistan, he linked events in Afghanistan to the problem of “regressive thinking”, where terrorism is used as a “political tool”. He also called for protecting the maritime sector from a “race of expansion and exclusion” and noted the need for an investigation into the “origins of the coronavirus”, topics about which China is sensitive. Addressing the UN directly for its shortcomings, the PM said time waits for no one, urging the UN to speed up the over a decade-long reform process, which would include an expanded Security Council . This, he explained, is the only way to restore the credibility of global governance institutions.

Mr Modi’s strongest words came at the beginning of his speech, where he launched a defense of Indian democracy, which has been criticized over the years. He said that India was nicknamed the “mother of democracy” for its upholding of democratic values, which are emblematic of its diversity, pluralism, inclusivity and equality, which made someone like her, who once lived in her father’s tea stall. Worked on, allowed to be. Country leader. The PM’s words appeared as a response to comments made during his visit to Washington, where US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris stressed the need to strengthen democratic processes internally. Even as he addressed the United Nations, protesters outside criticized his government for its crackdown on activists, NGOs, laws on agriculture and citizenship, and action against lynchings and mob violence. While the PM’s commitment to India’s “great tradition of democracy” was encouraging, it will not be measured by the words of the world body, but by the responses and actions on the ground in India.