World order is in flux. Overwhelmed by challenges, countries are seeking a directionality. The relentless geopolitical contestations have only exacerbated the woes of a pandemic ravaged world. To address these issues, the 76th UNGA session organized debate on the theme “Building Resilience through hope to recover from Covid-19, rebuild sustainably, respond to the needs of the planet, respect the rights of people, and revitalize the United Nations”.
Addressing
the UNGA as the Head of the government of Republic of India for the fourth
time, Prime Minister Modi in his opening remarks endorsed the UNGA Presidency
held by Maldivian as a recognition to the Small Island Nations. Paying ode to
India’s timeless tradition and the civilizational doctrine of vasudaivakutumbakam
(world is one family), Modi underscored that democratic values are integral to
the land and his own rise to the highest seat of public office exemplifies the
acclaim of India as “the mother of democracy”.
Truly, what
is interesting is while leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Morarji Desai have
mooted the India’s democratic credentials as native, Modi is now using it as a
soft power. This strategy is a befitting reply to firewall the World against Beijing
unabashed attempts to displace the existing World order with totalitarianism
and the neighbouring Pakistan’s advocacy of a regressive ideology that is
seeking to push the region into medieval periods.
Assuming
the rotational one-month presidency at UNSC, India apprised the World of its
Global vision and diligently placed a framework to address the global
challenges. Furthering India’s global stature, as a representative of 1.3
billion people seeking to derive strength from their civilizational values, Modi
made a case for urgent reforms in UN to make 18% of humanity an integral part of
the decision-making structures of the UN. Indicating that a country as diverse
as India rooted in the very values that are espoused by the UN can be an
invaluable addition to the organization in realizing its goals of world peace
and security, Modi appealed for urgent reforms.
Questioning
UN’s inadequate response towards a collective fight against COVID-19, Modi
raised doubts over its effectiveness and relevance. Quoting Chanakya, “when
right action is not taken at the right time, then it is time itself that causes
the action to fail”, he criticized WHO’s coverup attempts of COVID origins.
Modi rightly raked up the irregularities in the ease of doing business rankings
and urged the UN to restore its credibility. Unhesitant to point to the alleged
penetration of the global institution by China, Modi called the bluff of the
Dragon.
Enumerating
India’s contributions to the UN peace missions across the World, Modi referred
to his own developmental policies which are in line with the Sustainable
Developmental Goals set by the UN. Enunciating his vision of “self-reliant”
India steered by a rational, scientific and progressive thinking, he assured
that India’s growth is a force multiplier for the global economy.
Expounding,
“when India grows, the World grows, when India reforms, World transforms”
Modi presented the developmental agenda of India and its international
initiatives like- Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CODR) and
International Solar Alliance (ISA). Exemplifying India’s commitment to human
welfare, Modi talked about India’s generous vaccine to 150 countries at height
of the pandemic.
Strengthening
the case of benevolent India whose rise would accrue immense benefits to the
World, Modi spoke about Deen Dayal Upadhyay’s “integral humanism”, where
“development should be all-inclusive, universal and one that nurtures all”
and underscored India’s pursuit of integrated and equitable development.
Cautioning
the world of Afghanistan turning into a safe haven for terrorists, Modi pointed
fingers at Pakistan for using terror as a political tool. Similarly, he called
upon the international community to speak in unison to strengthen the
rules-based World order and warned of China’s muscle-flexing in the
Indo-Pacific region. Refraining from naming anyone, Modi made veiled attacks on
Pakistan and China at UNGA.
Geographically,
India is engulfed by two truculent enemies, plotting to balkanize it and stifle
its rise as a strong and vibrant nation. Battling the bellicosity of the
arch-enemy nexus against all odds, besides harbouring a shared vision for the
World, India is making earnest pursuit to steer nation’s trajectory along the
path of development.
Delivering
on the global targets like climate change, harbouring ambitious vision for
including renewable energy goals and green hydrogen; relentlessly advocating for
an international counter terrorism strategy, India is working towards global
challenges as well. Amid the reluctance of the developed nations to lead,
collaborate, share and cooperate, a developing nation like India is raising to
offer pragmatic solutions for a stable, sustainable and prosperous world.
Lacing
India’s intent with apt words from Rabindranath Tagore’s song which means- “boldly
move forward on your auspicious path of action, may all weaknesses and doubt
vanish” Modi concluded his speech. Thus far, delivering the most positive
and forward-looking address. The symbolism of three quotes by three iconic
personalities of the land in three different languages in Modi’s address nicely
summed up the vast diversity of India.
Even as
countries like US are facing the erosion of trust in democratic process,
appealing to the World that “Democracy can deliver; democracy has delivered”
India is infusing new energy into the World order. Modi’s address replete with
new pragmatism and dynamism is thus very significant.
Modi
delivered a landmark speech at the UNGA. Though strategists might contend that
Modi isn’t the first leader to highlight India’s civilizational aspects. But
the speech assumes immense significance as unlike in the past, India is clearly
walking the talk and started delivering on various aspects. Shunning the legacy
of punching below the weight, India is attempting to leverage its demographic
dividend, an upswing in economic outlook, developmental vision and an assertive
foreign policy to elevate its global stature.
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