New York: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed at the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly today.
The Prime Minister started off by mentioning Mahatma Gandhi and outlined the steps being undertaken in India to combat climate change, including to curb the use of single-use plastic.
Modi said that the world’s largest democracy voted for me and my government. “We came back to power with a bigger majority and because of this mandate I am here today.”
Modi highlighted about the biggest cleanliness drive ‘Swachch Bharat Abhiyan’ and said, ” When a developing nation successfully carries out the biggest cleanliness drive of the world and provides more than 11 crore toilets to its people just within 5 years, that system gives a message of inspiration to the entire world.”
He spoke about the government’s commitment to provide water to every household, a house for every family and elimination of tuberculosis in the coming five years.
The Prime Minister noted that he read on the walls of the United Nations “No more single-use plastic” and said he is delighted to inform that India is carrying out a big campaign to free the country of single-use plastic.
In addition to fulfilling the dreams of 130 crore Indians, the efforts of the government will also be beneficial to the entire world. “We are working not just for the welfare of our people, but for the welfare of the entire world. That is why our motto is Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’, PM added.
India is one of the leading countries in the fight against climate change and highlighted India’s initiative of International Solar Alliance. Modi indicated that India plans to increase its renewable energy capacity to 450 GW in the coming years.
Terming terrorism as the biggest challenge for the world, Prime Minister urged all the nations to unite against terrorism for the sake of humanity. “India is a country that has given the world, not war, but Buddha’s message of peace,” the PM said. He also mentioned about India’s contribution to the United Nation peacekeeping Mission.
Prime Minister urged the international community to give a new direction to multilateralism. He said as the world is going through a new era, the countries do not have the option to confine themselves within their boundaries. “A divided world is in no one’s interest. We must give a thrust to multilateralism and reforming the United Nations,” the PM said.
This was Modi’s second address at the UNGA and his maiden post taking office for the second five-year term.