Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged the United Nations to undergo reform that reflects the realities of the 21st century and ensures representation for relevant voices, as reported in an interview published on Sunday. Modi, who will host the Group of 20 (G20) summit from next weekend, explained to the Press Trust of India news agency that a “mid-20th century approach cannot serve the world in the 21st century”. The Indian Prime Minister, who leads the world’s most populous country and aspires to secure permanent membership on the U.N. Security Council, seeks to enhance India’s status and advance its causes, such as debt relief sustainability, through the global platform provided by the G20 summit set to commence on September 9.
During the interview, Modi reiterated his support for granting full membership to the African Union in the G20. The G20 summit, spanning two days, will feature an unprecedented range of prominent attendees from across the globe, including U.S. President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
“International institutions need to recognize changing realities and reconsider their priorities,” asserted Modi, emphasizing the significance of ensuring adequate representation for various voices. He described India’s G20 presidency as a source of confidence for countries in the so-called third world.
Modi, currently 72 years old, highlighted that India’s G20 presidency has fostered recognition that anti-inflation policies in one country do not detrimentally impact others. Inflation disproportionately affects India’s numerous impoverished citizens. Economists participating in a Reuters poll have markedly increased their inflation forecasts for this quarter, expecting prices to surpass the central bank’s 6% limit until at least October.
Furthermore, Modi called for international cooperation in combatting cybercrime, warning that terrorists exploit technologies such as the dark net, metaverse, and cryptocurrencies to pursue malevolent objectives, with potential repercussions for social cohesion within nations.
Reporting by Arpan Chaturvedi; Editing by William Mallard
Credit: The Star : News Feed
