Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) today in New York, the first time since the coronavirus pandemic broke out in December 2019. "The strength of India's democracy lies in the fact that a young tea seller is addressing the UN for the 4th time," the Prime Minister said in his opening remarks.
India has developed the world's first DNA vaccine that can be given to everyone above 12 years of age, PM Modi said. "While understanding the responsibility towards humanity, India has yet again started giving vaccines to those who need it," the PM added.
The theme for this year's General Debate is 'Building Resilience through hope to recover from COVID-19, rebuild sustainably, respond to the needs of the planet, respect the rights of people, and revitalise the United Nations'. As per the second provisional list of speakers for the General Assembly, about 109 heads of state and government will address the General Debate in person and nearly 60 will deliver speeches through pre-recorded video statements.
PM Modi flew to New York on Saturday from Washington after holding his first bilateral meeting with US President Joe Biden in the Oval Office of the White House and attended his first in-person Quad summit on Friday.
PM Modi had last addressed the UN General Assembly session in 2019. Last year, world leaders had submitted pre-recorded video statements for the United Nations General Assembly session in September, as heads of state and government could not physically attend the annual gathering due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Little boy who helped his father at tea stall is addressing UNGA for fourth time: PM Modi
Highlighting the strength of the Indian democracy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday noted how a little boy who at one time used to help his father at his tea stall, is today addressing the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for the fourth time.
PM Modi said that he represents a country that is known as the "mother of democracy". "We have a great tradition of democracy that goes back thousands of years."
India's diversity is the identity of the country's strong democracy, he added. "It is a country that has dozens of languages and hundreds of dialects, different lifestyles and cuisine. This is the best example of a vibrant democracy."
PM Modi invites vaccine manufacturers across the world to "Make In India"
"India, which lives on Sewa Paramo Dharma (service is the main duty), is engaged in vaccination development and manufacturing despite limited resources. I want to inform UNGA that India has developed the world's first DNA vaccine, which can be administered to all people above the age of 12 years," PM Modi said at the UNGA.
"Another mRNA vaccine is in its late stages of development. Scientists in India are also engaged in the development of a nasal vaccine for Corona. Realising its responsibility towards humanity, India has once again started giving vaccines to the needy of the world. I also invite vaccine manufacturers from all over the world today to - Come, Make Vaccine In India," the Prime Minister said.
Essential to ensure Afghanistan territory not used to spread terrorism: PM Modi at UNGA
Noting that the danger of regressive thinking and extremism is increasing in the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that it is absolutely essential to ensure that Afghanistan territory is not used to spread terrorism and for terrorist activities.
"Today, the danger of regressive thinking and extremism is increasing in the world. In these circumstances, the whole world has to make science-based, rational and progressive thinking the basis of development," PM Modi said while addressing the UNGA.
"It is absolutely essential to ensure that Afghanistan territory is not used to spread terrorism and for terrorist activities," he added.
PM Modi at UNGA
Last 1.5 years, the world has been grappling with the worst pandemic in 100 years
I pay tribute to all those who have lost their lives in the deadly pandemic, express condolences to their families
I represent a country proud to be known as the mother of democracy, great tradition of democracy that goes back thousands of years
Our diversity is the identity of our strong democracy
The strength of our democracy is demonstrated by the fact that a little boy who used to help his father at a tea stall - is addressing the UNGA for the 4th time as PM of India
Yes, democracy can deliver, democracy has delivered
Mr President, today is the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya
Inspired by Pt Deendayal Upadhyaya's philosophy of 'antyodaya', India is moving ahead and ensuring integrated and equitable development for all
Our priority is that development should be all inclusive and universal and one that nurtures all
India has made homeless families - home owners
Polluted water a big problem not just for India but the entire world, in particular for poor and developing countries
In India, we are carrying out a campaign to ensure piped clean water reaches homes
For development, people must have property rights, ownership records a must
Drones being used to map over 6 hundred thousand villages
In order to strengthen science-based approach, India promoting experience-based learning
Strong start-up ecosystem has been developed
Corona pandemic has taught the world that the global economy should be more diversified now
We have started work on making India the world's largest green hydrogen hub
Our oceans are also our shared heritage. That is why we must keep in mind, we must use ocean resources and not abuse them
Our oceans are the lifelines of international trade. We must protect them from the race of expansion and exclusion.
