Modi pitches for UNSC seat, says G4 stands for global peace, security

Modi said “When we speak only of climate change, there is a perception of our desire to secure the comforts of our lifestyle”, but “When we speak of climate justice, we demonstrate our sensitivity and resolve to secure the future of the poor from the perils of natural disasters”.

Japanese Prime Minister Abe flew in only for this summit as he did not address the UNGA.

“The UN Special Rapporteur has recently criticised India’s actions in suppressing civil society and “vilifying” voices of dissent”. “This is especially true of the United Nations Security Council”, the Prime Minister said.

These actions, the letter states, threaten to tarnish India’s global standing as a country that respects free speech and democracy. “This is not going to really help India’s cause in getting a permanent seat in the UNSC”.

Speaking at the meet Modi said, “I am confident that our meeting will give push to reforms”.

“Our effort will be that by the end of the 70th session in September 2016, the final text should be tabled in the Assembly for adoption”, he had said. Modi outlined India’s climate change goals saying he represents a culture that calls the earth “mother” and that India over the next seven years will create 175 GW of renewable energy capacity.

The Prime Minister, while making initial remarks, pointed out that the subject of reforms in the UNSC has been the focus of global attention for decades but “unfortunately, without progress” so far.

He said the four countries are ready to assume global responsibilities as he pressed for change, saying the world body reflects the mindset of a century “we left behind” and is not in tune with “new concerns” like terrorism and climate change.

The UN General Assembly has already adopted a negotiating document for the long-pending reforms of the powerful wing of the world body and the U.S., one of the council’s permanent members, has said it is committed to India’s inclusion as a permanent member.

“We live in a digital age”.

Modi asserted that the global challenges like climate change and sustainable development are the collective responsibility of all nations as no nation can be immune to any kind of threat.

He said the commencement of text-based negotiations of the UNSC “is an important first step but it must be carried to its conclusion in the 70th UN General Assembly”.

In her remarks, Merkel said the G-4 was not any “exclusive group” and it believes in taking others also along in its pursuit of ensuring reform of the UNSC.

While USA, UK, Russian Federation and France has supported the G4 position and the candidature of India, Brazil, Germany and Japan at the UNSC, China has been strongly opposing the expansion of the Security Council.