Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently addressed the general debate of the 75th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). This year, due to the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic, Prime Minister’s speech at the General Assembly session was a pre-recorded broadcast. The Prime Minister spoke on United Nations role against coronavirus fight, advocated for India’s permanent membership at UN’s decision making structures and highlighted other issues including India’s role in maintaining peace in the world.

The Prime Minister listed out India’s priorities and its role in the global setup, assuring its cooperation in dealing with the pandemic. Highlighting India’s achievements and role in 75 years of the United Nations, Modi called for reforms with “changing times” and India’s inclusion in the decision-making process within the global body. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, the UNGA session is being conducted virtually. PM Modi addressed the UNGA via a pre-recorded video statement. His speech broadcasted at the UNGA hall in New York. In his pre-recorded video statement to the landmark General Debate of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly, Modi said the stability in the United Nations and empowerment of the world body are essential for the welfare of the world.

Over the last 8 to 9 months, the whole world has been battling the pandemic of the coronavirus. Where is the United Nations in this joint fight against the pandemic? Where is its effective response, asked PM Modi. Reform in the responses, in the processes, and in the very character of the UN is the need of the hour. It is a fact that the faith and respect that the UN enjoys among the 1.3 billion people in India is unparalleled. But it is also true that the people of India have been waiting for a long time for the process for the reforms of the United Nations to get completed. Today, people of India are concerned whether this reform-process will ever reach its logical conclusion. For how long will India be kept out of the decision-making structures of the United Nations, asks PM Modi.

PM Modi also said at UNGA that even during these very difficult times of the raging pandemic, India’s pharmaceutical industry has sent essential medicines to over 150 countries. “As the largest vaccine producing country of the world, I want to give one more assurance to the global community today. India’s vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used to help all humanity in fighting this crisis,” Modi said in a strong assurance to the international community that is battling the devastating coronavirus pandemic. He further assured that India will also help all the countries in enhancing their cold chain and storage capacities for the delivery of the vaccines.

PM Modi also enunciated his government’s ambitious AatmaNirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant) campaign, saying a self-reliant India will be a “force multiplier” for the global economy. “In the changed circumstances of the post-pandemic era, we are moving forward with the vision of a ‘Self-reliant India’,” he said, adding “a self-reliant India will also be a force multiplier for the global economy.”