Candid talk by Dr S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister at the UN
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"An objective report card will show that the UN is in a state of crisis. When peace is under threat from conflicts, when development is derailed by lack of resources, when human rights are violated by terrorism, the UN remains gridlocked.
As its ability to forge common ground diminishes, belief in multilateralism also recedes.
Central to the erosion of UN’s credibility has been resistance to reform. Most members strongly desire change...." - he said.
The Minister also said the process is being made an obstacle to the outcome.
It is imperative that we see through this cynicism and purposefully address the reform agenda. The historical injustice done to Africa should be redressed.
Both permanent and non-permanent membership of the Council must be expanded.
A reformed Council must be truly representative. And India stands ready to assume greater responsibilities, the Minister said.
"Today, the predicament of the Global South is especially acute. Bharat, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, believes that it has both a duty to contribute and an obligation to motivate. That is why we have undertaken more than 600 major development projects in 78 countries, as well as innumerable community-based initiatives.
They range from large infrastructure to small livelihoods, from capacity building to people’s welfare, from concrete assets to education and training.
Turbulent times require that we step forward during moments of crisis. India has been forthcoming in that regard, especially in its immediate vicinity.
Whether it is finance, food, fertilizer or fuel, we have responded to the urgent requirements of our neighbours, he maintained.
Each one of us has the opportunity of contributing to peace and prosperity. In the case of conflicts, especially Ukraine and Gaza, even those not directly involved have felt its impact. Nations who can engage all sides must step-up in the search for solutions. India calls for an end to hostilities and will support any initiative that will help restore peace.
The last decade in Bharat has also seen transformative changes due to the vision of Prime Minister Modi. Our digital public infrastructure has redefined governance and enabled delivery of public services on an unprecedented scale. Our start-up eco system, innovation culture and micro-finance are changing the face of society. Our rapidly growing infrastructure facilitates both ease of doing business and ease of living for citizens. India remains committed to sharing its experiences and tools with others on their journey of development.
Artificial Intelligence as a horizontal and cross-cutting technology has a particular promise for development. India’s approach is to harness it responsibly for human welfare. Inclusion and impact will be the watch words for the Summit that India will host in 2026.
Bharat approaches the contemporary world, guided by three key concepts:
One, Atmanirbharta or self-reliance.
That means developing our own capabilities, building our own strengths and nurturing our own talent. We see its results already, be it in manufacturing, in space programmes, in pharma production or in digital applications. Make, innovate and design in India also benefit the world.
Two, Atmaraksha or securing oneself.
We remain determined to protect our people and secure their interests, at home and abroad.
That means zero-tolerance for terrorism, robust defence of our borders, forging partnerships beyond and assisting our community abroad.
And three, Atmavishwas or self-confidence.
As the most populous nation, as a civilizational state, as a rapidly growing major economy, we are confident about who we are, and what we will be.
Bharat will always maintain its freedom of choice. And will always be a voice of the Global South, the Minister said.
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