Success of humanity lies in 'collective strength, not on the battlefield' – Modi
Reforming global institutions is key to keeping them relevant, the Indian Prime Minister told the United Nations General Assembly.
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi advocated for reforms in global institutions while emphasizing the need for peace as he addressed the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Monday.
Speaking at the Summit of the Future, Modi said, "The success of humanity lies in our collective strength, not on the battlefield. For global peace and development, reforms in global institutions are essential. Reform is the key to relevance."
These remarks came amidst the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as the worsening situation on the Lebanon-Israel border. On Monday, Israel launched a large-scale military operation against its northern neighbor, described as the deadliest since the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war.
According to Lebanon's Health Ministry, Israeli strikes had killed at least 492 people as of Monday night, including 35 children and 58 women, and left 1,645 people injured.
Earlier on Sunday, Modi met with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and expressed "deep concern" over the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the "deteriorating security situation in the region."
The Indian Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s "unwavering support to the people of Palestine, including continued humanitarian assistance," as per a statement from New Delhi. Modi called for a ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages, and a "return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy." He emphasized that only a two-state solution, India’s official stance on the decades-long conflict, "can deliver enduring peace and stability in the region."
Modi also reiterated India’s continued support for Palestine's membership in the UN. New Delhi has been maintaining a diplomatic balance on the Gaza conflict while continuing to uphold strong diplomatic and economic relations with Israel.
India condemned the October 7 attack by Hamas militants on Israel, which led to the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, unequivocally labeling it an act of "terrorism." At the same time, Modi has expressed concern over civilian casualties in Gaza since the conflict began. Local health officials report that over 41,000 Palestinians in the enclave have been killed in Israeli military operations.
India has largely abstained from most resolutions related to Israel at UN bodies since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Last week, New Delhi abstained from voting on the United Nations General Assembly’s resolution demanding the end of Israel's occupation of Palestine within a year. The resolution was eventually passed with an overwhelming majority.
On the sidelines of the General Assembly, Modi also met with Vietnamese President To Lam, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, and Ukraine's Vladimir Zelensky.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Modi noted that he reiterated India's support for an "early resolution of the conflict in Ukraine and the restoration of peace and stability." Earlier this year, the Indian leader traveled to both Moscow and Kyiv to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Zelensky, where he highlighted the importance of finding a diplomatic resolution to the conflict, rather than resorting to the battlefield.
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