Rights Of Global South Being Denied, India Can Be A Bridge Between It And West: PM Modi

PM Modi, in an interview with a French newspaper, said India needs to regain its rightful place being the most populous country in the world.

PM Modi, French President Emmanuel Macron (C) and his wife Brigitte Macron (R)

Source : Getty

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a visit to France, said the rights of the Global South have been long denied and India could be a bridge between it and the western world. In an interview with French newspaper Les Echos, PM Modi also pitched for a comprehensive reshuffle of international institutions and said India needs to regain its rightful place being the most populous country in the world.

"The rights of the Global South have been long denied. As a result, there is a feeling of anguish among the members of Global South...I see India being that strong shoulder that if Global South has to make that high jump, India can be that shoulder to propel it ahead. For the Global South, India can also build its linkages with Global North. So, in that sense, this shoulder can become this bridge of sorts," PM Modi said before departing for Paris.

'Global South' basically refers to the low- or middle-income countries in Asia, Africa and South America.

PM Modi left for France on Thursday morning and will attend the French National Day, or Bastille Day celebrations, in Paris as the Guest of Honour.

PM Modi underscored that India's young and skilled workforce would be an asset for the world over the decades to come and there was a natural expectation of adjustments in the international system and institutions to give the rightful place to the world's largest democracy.

"How can the UN Security Council claim to speak for the world when its most populous country, and its largest democracy, is not a permanent member?" he asked.

He also said most countries were clear on what changes they want in the UN Security Council, including on the role of India. PM Modi also appreciated France's position on the matter.

On Vision For India And Indo-Pacific

On his vision for India in 2047, the 100th anniversary of its independence, PM Modi said he wanted India to become a developed country. 

"India will be a global leader in innovation and technology. Our economy will be a hub of opportunities, an engine for global growth and its source of skills and talent. We will help advance a more balanced multipolar world, anchored in international law and underpinned by the discipline of multilateralism," PM Modi said in the interview.

On challenges in the Indo-Pacific region amid China pouring massive sums of money to boost its defense capabilities, PM Modi said India has always stood for respecting sovereignty of all nations.

"Our interests in the Indo-Pacific region are vast, and our engagement is deep. I have described our vision for this region in one word - SAGAR, which stands for Security and Growth for All in the Region," the Prime Minister further said.

PM Modi On Relations With France

Noting that 2023 marks the 25th anniversary of India-France strategic partnership, PM Modi said the relation between the countries was currently at a turning point.

"The relationship is in excellent shape. It is strong, trusted, consistent. It has been steady and resilient in the darkest storms. It has been bold and ambitious in looking for opportunities," he said.

"The level of mutual trust and confidence we share is unmatched. It stems from shared values and vision. We share a strong sense of strategic autonomy. Both have deep commitment to international law. We both seek a multipolar world. Both of us carry an unwavering faith in multilateralism," the PM told the newspaper.