PM Modi At ‘Summit For Democracy’: Centuries Of Colonial Rule Couldn’t Suppress Indians’ Spirit
PM Modi’s address came as the two-day virtual Summit for Democracy, hosted by US President Joe Biden, concludes on Friday.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday virtually addressed the ‘Summit for Democracy’ hosted by US President Joe Biden.
“The Indian story has one clear message to the world that democracy can deliver, has delivered, and will continue to deliver. Democracy is just not of, by or for the people but also with the people and within the people”: PM Modi said at the summit, as quoted by news agency ANI.
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Talking about India’s freedom struggle, PM Narendra Modi highlighted how “centuries of colonial rule could not suppress the democratic spirit of the Indian people”. “It again found full expression with India’s independence and laid to an unparalleled story in democratic nation-building over the last 75 years,” he added.
PM Modi said that structural features like multi-party elections, an independent judiciary, and free media are important instruments of democracy.
“However, the basic strength of democracy is the spirit and ethos that lie within our citizens and our society,” he stated.
The Prime Minister called for constantly improving democratic practices, saying: “Different parts of the world have followed different paths of democratic development. There’s much we can learn from each other. We all need to constantly improve our democratic practices and systems and continue to enhance inclusion, transparency and human dignity”.
“Today’s assembly provides a timely platform for furthering cooperation among democracies. India will be happy to share its expertise in holding free and fair elections and enhancing transparency in all areas of governance through innovative, digital solutions,” PM Modi added.
He further said that “democracies can meet the aspirations of our citizens and celebrate the democratic spirit of humanity. India stands ready to join fellow democracies in these noble endeavors”.
PM Modi’s address came as the two-day virtual Summit for Democracy, hosted by US President Joe Biden, concludes on Friday.
On the summit’s first day, Biden announced plans for the US to spend up to 424 million around the world to support independent media, anti-corruption work and more, news agency PTI reported.
He called on world leaders to work with him to reverse what he termed as an alarming diminishment of democracy around the globe.
“Will we allow the backward slide of rights and democracy to continue unchecked? Or will we together have a vision ... and courage to once more lead the march of human progress and human freedom forward?” he had said on Thursday.
Biden is scheduled to deliver closing remarks to leaders and civil society groups today.
(With Agency Inputs)
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