Politics

India questions UN response to pandemic, calls for reform

United Nations, Sep 26 (efe-epa).- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday questioned the United Nations’ response to the pandemic and pointed to it as a sign of the need to reform the organization, where his country has been claiming more power for years.

Modi, in a video message to the UN General Assembly, highlighted the fact that the key structures of the UN are still those of 1945 and are no longer suitable to today’s world.

The Indian leader criticized the UN’s inability to end some conflicts, tackle terrorism or respond to Covid-19.

“Where is the UN in this joint fight against the pandemic, where is its effective response,” he asked, arguing for the need for profound reforms.

India has long demanded a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, a request that Modi called for again, arguing among other things that his country is the largest democracy in the world and represents 18 percent of the global population.

“How long is India going to be kept out of the decision-making structures of the United Nations,” he added.

So far, efforts to reform the Security Council have stalled amid differing proposals and reticence from some permanent members, which are the five victorious powers of World War Two: the United States, China, Russia, France and the United Kingdom.

Modi also highlighted India’s role in pharmaceutical manufacturing during the coronavirus pandemic.

He said that, as the world’s largest producer of vaccines, he will ensure this capacity is used to help all of humanity.

“Even during these very difficult times of a raging pandemic, the pharma industry of India has sent essential medicines to more than 150 countries,” he added.

“As the largest vaccine producing country of the world, I want to give one more assurance to the global community today.

“India’s vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used to help all humanity in fighting this crisis.”

He said the country is progressing with phase three of clinical trials for possible vaccines.

“India will also help all countries in enhancing their cold chain and storage capacities for the delivery of vaccines,” he added. EFE-EPA

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