How can the UN Security Council represent the world if the most populous country does not have a permanent place in it ?

• PM Modi takes firm stand on international representation in UN Security Council !

• Renowned French newspaper ‘Les Echos’ interviews PM Modi      

United Nations Headquarters (Credit : World Atlas)

New Delhi – India has become the most populous country in the world and needs to have its right place. How can the United Nations (UN) claim to speak for the world’s welfare when its most populous country and the largest democracy in the world is not a permanent member of the UN Security Council ? PM Narendra Modi expressed his firm stand before going on a visit to France. A representative of the renowned French newspaper ‘Les Echos’ interviewed him at PM House. PM Modi will be on a France tour on the 13th and 14th of July 2023 after which he will tour the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

(Credit : World Association Of News Publishers)

On the question about the credibility of the UN Security Council asked by the representative of ‘Les Echos’, PM Modi said that the issue was not just credibility, but it was something higher. The world should have held honest discussions on the multilateral governance structures that were built in the aftermath of the Second World War. Nearly eight decades after the institutions were created, the world has transformed. The number of member countries has grown four times. The nature of the global economy has changed. We live in an era of new technology. New powers have risen, causing a relative shift in global balance. We are facing new challenges like global warming, cybersecurity, terrorism, internal security, Corona pandemic, etc.

UN Security Council, the epitome of dissonance ! – PM Modi  

The PM said further, the point raised now is whether the present permanent members represent the world. Are they capable of fulfilling the goals for which the organisation was set up ? Does the significance of forming the UN still hold good ? Especially, the UN Security Council is the epitome of dissonance. How can we look at it as a part of the global body, when it has ignored the continents of Africa and Latin America ? Besides, its skewed membership believes in following a decision-making process that is not transparent.

PM’s views on Indo-French friendship !

Regarding the friendship between India-France, PM Modi said India and France share interests in wide-ranging matters. They have a strategic partnership in politics, defence, economics, human-centred development, and stability in the world. Two countries can work together when they share the same values and vision, and they can successfully meet every challenge.

Vision about India in 2047 !  

About his vision of India’s pace of development, PM Modi said India will celebrate its 100th anniversary of independence in 2047 and our stand is clear. We are working towards that goal. We want India to be a developed country with an economy, that will take care of the needs of our citizens such as education, food, health, basic amenities, and opportunities. India will be a strong federal democracy where the rights of all citizens will be protected. India will be a global leader in science and technology. It is our wish that India should be a strong example of democracy.