During his interactions with world leaders at the 16th Brics Summit 2024 in Johannesburg, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s spoke on key global concerns, from the importance of diplomacy in resolving conflicts to the need for reforming the UN Security Council.
Here are the top quotes from his speech:
In a clear reference to ongoing global conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war, PM Modi reiterated India’s stance on resolving disputes through peaceful means.
“We support dialogue and diplomacy, not war. And just as we were able to overcome a challenge like COVID together, we are certainly able to create new opportunities to ensure a secure, strong and prosperous future for future generations,” he said.
The Prime Minister said that there can be no “double standards” in addressing the menace of terrorism and radicalisation.
“In order to counter terrorism and terror financing, we need the single-minded, firm support of all. There is no place for double standards on this serious matter.”
He also said that the world needs to “take active steps to stop the radicalisation of youth in our countries. We must work together on the long pending matter in the UN of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.”
PM Modi also made a strong pitch for reforms in key global institutions, including the UNSC.
“We must move forward in a time-bound manner on reforms in global institutions such as the UN Security Council, multilateral development banks, and the WTO.”
India has been eyeing a permanent seat at the UNSC for a while now. India is a member of the G4 alongside Brazil, Japan, and Germany. These four countries support each others’ bid for a permanent seat at the UNSC alongside Russia, China, US, France, and UK.
However, PM Modi mentioned that as these efforts to reform UN and other global institutions take place in Brics, “we must be careful to ensure that this organisation does not acquire the image of one that is trying to replace global institutions, instead of being perceived as one that wishes to reform them.”
That statement comes in light of reports of Russia’s efforts to create an alternative to UN as it continues to be at odds with Western nations over the Ukraine war.
Speaking about India’s border relations, understood to be in the context of its ties with China, PM Modi said, “It should be our priority to maintain peace and tranquility on the border. Mutual trust, mutual respect, and mutual sensitivity should be the basis of our relationship.”
The Indian leader also spoke on the diversity and inclusivity of Brics.
“I believe that as a diverse and inclusive platform, BRICS can play a positive role in all areas.”
He further emphasised the strength of BRICS through unity: “Our diversity, respect for each other and our tradition of moving forward on the basis of consensus are the basis for our cooperation.”
With inputs from agencies
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From border situation with China to UNSC reform, here are PM Modi’s top quotes from Brics Summit
