Congress Calls for Reforms in Multilateralism, Critiques PM Modi's Podcast Comments
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Synopsis
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has criticized Prime Minister Modi's remarks on international organizations, asserting that they are not irrelevant and call for reforms rather than condemnation. He emphasized India's benefits from these bodies and urged a cooperative approach over conflict.
Key Takeaways
- Jairam Ramesh questions PM Modi's view on UN's relevance.
- Criticism parallels Trump’s stance on international organizations.
- Ramesh highlights India's advantages from these organizations.
- Calls for reforms instead of condemnation in multilateralism.
- PM Modi stresses cooperation over conflict in global relations.
New Delhi, March 17 (NationPress) Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Monday challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks regarding the United Nations and other international entities losing their relevance amidst escalating global conflicts.
Ramesh noted that the statement echoed the perspective of US President Donald Trump concerning these organizations.
In a post shared on his X account, the Congress MP accused the Prime Minister of “clearly going out of his way to keep Trump in good humour”.
“He claims international organizations, which India has greatly benefited from, have become irrelevant. This reflects the language of the US President. In reality, it is Mr. Trump who is striving to render them irrelevant, and now Mr. Modi is echoing 'his good friend's' rhetoric,” Ramesh wrote in his post.
The Rajya Sabha member emphasized that India has gained significantly from these international organizations.
“Is the WHO not beneficial for India? Is the WTO not advantageous for India? Is the Paris Agreement on Climate Change not in India's interest? Despite its shortcomings, has the UN not created opportunities for Indian peacekeepers abroad?” Ramesh further stated.
He asserted that while reforms in these organizations are necessary, outright condemnation is unwarranted. “Multilateralism requires reforms but does not deserve the kind of blanket condemnation that President Trump and Prime Minister Modi are engaging in,” he remarked.
PM Modi, during his appearance on US scientist Lex Fridman's podcast on Sunday, criticized the United Nations and other international organizations as irrelevant amidst escalating global conflicts, specifically referencing the ongoing wars in the Middle East and tensions between China and the US.
“The international organizations that were established have become nearly irrelevant; there hasn’t been any reform in them. Institutions like the UN cannot fulfill their roles. Individuals in the world who disregard laws and regulations are acting freely, and no one is able to stop them,” the Prime Minister stated.
The PM reflected on the lessons learned from the Covid pandemic, which laid bare the vulnerabilities of every nation and highlighted the necessity for unity in the face of intense global tensions.
PM Modi advocated for a transition from conflict to cooperation, promoting a development-oriented approach as the way forward.
