BRICS@12: Modi calls terrorism biggest problem, pitches for spurring UN reforms

By Shweta Aggarwal

Enhanced cooperation in combating pandemic, collective action against the scourge of terrorism and spurring reform of global governance, including expansion of the UN Security Council figured prominently in India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech at the 12^th BRICS summit hosted by Russia.

Addressing the first-ever virtual summit of the five-nation grouping comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, Mr Modi underlined that “terrorism is the biggest problem the world is facing.” “We have to ensure that the countries that support and assist the terrorists are also held guilty,” PM Modi said at the summit hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Underlining the key role of India in post-Covid economic recovery, Mr Modi said: “We have started a comprehensive reform process under the ‘Self-reliant India’ campaign. The campaign is based on the belief that a self-reliant and resilient India post-Covid can be a force multiplier for the global economy and make a strong contribution to the global value chains.” “We also saw an example during Covid, when we were able to send essential medicines to more than 150 countries due to the capability of the Indian pharma industry. Our vaccine production and delivery capacity will also work in the interest of humanity like this.”

In his address, PM Modi underscored the need to speed up reform of the United Nations Security Council as well as multilateral bodies like the World Trade Organisation and the International Monetary Fund. “Questions are being raised on the effectiveness of global institutions. The main reason is because they have not changed with time,” he said.

“India is a firm supporter of multilateralism. We have been firmly committed to the values of the United Nations,” he said. “This is the 75th anniversary of the United Nations. India has been a core supporter of multilaterism and in Indian tradition, the entire world is considered a family. Our commitment towards UN’s values has been paramount,” he added.

“The theme of this BRICS Summit is Global Stability, Shared Security and Innovative Growth is not just contemporary but also futuristic. The world is seeing major geostrategic changes, effects of which will continue on stability, security and growth,” said Mr Modi.

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