PM Modi on podcast: UN 'almost irrelevant,' need for reforms
What's the story
In a recent podcast with American scientist Lex Fridman, PM Narendra Modi slammed the United Nations (UN) and other international organizations.
He said they have become "almost irrelevant" in light of the rising global conflicts like wars in the Middle East and China-US tensions.
"No real reforms are happening. Institutions like the UN are failing to fulfill their roles," he added.
Pandemic lessons
COVID-19 highlighted need for global unity, says Modi
In the interview, Modi talked about the lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. It had exposed the limitations of every nation and highlighted a pressing need for unity, he said.
"COVID-19 has exposed the limitations of all of us," he said.
The Prime Minister said instead of moving toward peace, "the world disintegrated, a period of uncertainty came, and the war put it in more trouble."
Development-driven approach
Modi advocates for cooperation over conflict
Modi pitched for moving from conflict to cooperation, saying a development-driven approach is the way forward.
Expansionism won't work in an interconnected world, and nations need to support each other, he stressed.
"As I said earlier, the world is interdependent, interconnected... Everyone needs everyone, no one can do anything alone," he said.
His comments allude to rising geopolitical tensions across the world.
Call for change
Modi pushes for reform in UN
Modi's remarks mirror India's decades-old demand for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council (UNSC).
Speaking at the UN's 'Summit of the Future' last year, Modi had called for change from the UNGA (United Nations General Assembly) lectern.
"Reform is key to relevance," he said, adding global action "must match" global ambition.
India last occupied a non-permanent UNSC seat in 2021-22.
Evolution of organizations
Modi emphasizes need for UN to adapt
Modi highlighted the need for the UN to keep pace with changing times.
"We must also understand that the world has become one small village today. No country can thrive in isolation," he said, stressing interdependence amongst nations.
He had also criticized bodies like the United Nations for not evolving with time, triggering a global debate on their relevance.