International community must unite to fight terrorism, Modi tells UNGA

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (September 27) described terrorism as one of the biggest challenges for the world and said the international community must unite and reach a consensus to fight against it.

During his nearly 20-minute speech at the 74th session of the UN General Assembly, the Prime Minister also focussed on the lack of unanimity among the member states of the global body on the issue of the terrorism, reported news agency PTI.

“We believe, that this is one of the biggest challenges, not for any single country, but for the entire world and humanity,” he said. “The lack of unanimity amongst us on the issue of terrorism dents those very principles that are the basis for the creation of the United Nations.”

The Prime Minister also noted that India has given the world Buddha’s message of peace and not war. “This is why our voice against terrorism, which is to alert the world about this evil, rings with seriousness and the outrage,” he was quoted as saying.

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“And that is why, for the sake of humanity, I firmly believe it is absolutely imperative, that the world unites against terrorism, and that the world stands as one against terrorism,” he added. Modi also pointed out that most of the soldiers martyred during UN peacekeeping missions are from India.

Modi also pointed out that most of the soldiers martyred during UN peacekeeping missions are from India. At least 160 Indian peacekeepers have paid the ultimate price while serving with the United Nations, the report said.

The Prime Minister also invoked Mahatma Gandhi during his speech and said his message of truth and non-violence still remains relevant for the world and its development.

He also highlighted the steps taken by India to fight against climate change. “We are working towards achieving the target of 450 Giga Watts of renewable energy and have also taken the initiative to create the International Solar Alliance,” he said.

Further, Modi told the UNGA that India is initiating a campaign to make the country a plastic-free and that it has been advocating the elimination of single-use plastic for a long time. During his speech, he also elaborated on several various schemes of his government, including the ‘Clean India Mission’, ‘Ayushman Bharat’, ‘Aadhaar initiative’, and others.

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The Prime Minister also pressed the international community to give a new direction to multilateralism as he said a fragmented world is in the interest of none and that the countries now don’t have the option to confine themselves within their boundaries.

He also referred to Swami Vivekananda’s historic address at the convention of Parliament of Religions in Chicago during his speech.

“One hundred and twenty five years ago, the great spiritual guru Swami Vivekananda gave this message to the world during the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago. The message was harmony and peace. And not dissension. Today, the message from the world’s largest democracy, for the international community is still the same: harmony and peace,” he said.

The Prime Minister further quoted Tamil poet Kaniyan Pungundranar’s famous quotes “Yaadhum Oore Yaavarum Kelir”, which means ‘We belong to all places, and to everyone’. He said that this sense of belonging beyond borders is unique to India.

(With inputs from agencies)