PM Modi Says UN's Limitations Are 'Clearly Visible'

Addressing the NDTV World Summit on Thursday, PM Modi said that the current world order, which he called 'world between orders,' needs stronger institutions, a greater voice for the Global South and more cooperation among all nations.

He said that the global system needs to be reworked as emerging economies and new powers want a bigger say in global affairs.

PM Modi Warns About 'Clearly Visible' Limitations of UN

Reflecting on the World War II era, PM Modi said that the UN was built on the ideals of dialogue, cooperation and peaceful resolution of conflicts. And for many years, the UN has been at the forefront of international peace and security.

But Modi said that with the new geopolitical realities, the limitations of such global institutions have become visible.

"The United Nations and other global institutions have had their day, in the face of today's realities, their limitations are clearly visible," he said, adding that emerging powers and new voices demand a larger say in global governance.

The Prime Minister said that the changing world order demanded more effective institutions, rather than those that were functional in the past.

On Trade, Tech and Sea Routes Being 'Weaponized'

Modi said that trade, technology and sea routes are now being weaponized by some nations. His comments came as the US and Iran continue to accuse each other of being behind the unrest in the troubled region between the Gulf and West Asia.

"The law of the jungle or Matsya Nyaya prevails when there is no order. So, we need to have systems that are strong enough to make sure that the powerful do not prey on the weak," he said, invoking the Chanakyan philosophy.

Modi said that India calls for effective multilateralism that is capable of cooperating and working together even during crises.

New Delhi has often raised the pitch of its voice on the global stage, staking its claim as a major power in the make-shift world order that has emerged after the pandemic.

Jaishankar Too Has Said UN Is 'Gridlocked'

Modi's comments come close on the heels of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who had said that the UN is "gridlocked" and questioned the effectiveness of the world body in dealing with global issues.

Addressing the fifth Kautilya Economic Conclave in the capital, Jaishankar said that the UN has not been effective in taking any meaningful decisions on the issues pertaining to the Ukraine war, West Asia and the Gulf, along with the COVID-19 situation.

Jaishankar also said that the UN Security Council does not reflect the realities on the ground anymore.

Both Modi and Jaishankar have raised the pitch of criticism against the existing order and the effectiveness of the UN. With New Delhi pushing for a larger role for developing countries, the question of reform of global governance institutions has once again gained pace in the capital.