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Narendra Modi
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On the record 2014–2025
podcast · un-general-debate · un-security-council
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“One of the effects of global warming is the increasing number and severity of natural disasters, which are also appearing in new areas and in new forms, in response to which India initiated the formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. I invite all countries to join the coalition, which will help to build infrastructure that can withstand natural disasters. Of all the soldiers from all countries who have made the supreme sacrifice for United Nations peacekeeping missions, India has given the most. We belong to a country that has given the world Buddha’s message of peace, not war. That is why our voice rings out with seriousness and outrage against terrorism in order to alert the world to that evil. We believe it is one of our biggest challenges, not for one single country but for the entire world and humankind.”
UN General Assembly2019English text as published by the United Nations. The speech may have been delivered in another official UN language.Source: United NationsSpeech held by session and year. Its individual meeting record is not yet linked.
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“Over the past five years, India has worked to strengthen its centuries-old great tradition of fraternity among nations and working for the welfare of the world, which is indeed in line with the key objectives of the United Nations. The issues that India raises and the kinds of new global platforms that India has come forward to build seek collective efforts to address serious global challenges and issues. If we take a historical and per-capita emission perspective, India’s contribution to global warming is very low. At the same time, India is also one of the leading nations when it comes to taking steps to address the issue. On the one hand, we are working to achieve the target of 450 gigawatts of renewable energy; on the other hand, we have also taken the initiative to create the International Solar Alliance.”
UN General Assembly2019English text as published by the United Nations. The speech may have been delivered in another official UN language.Source: United NationsSpeech held by session and year. Its individual meeting record is not yet linked.
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“The efforts are ours, but their fruits are for all and the entire world to enjoy. That conviction of mine grows stronger every day, when I think of those countries that, just like India, are striving for development, each in their own way. When I hear about their joys and sorrows and when I learn their dreams, my resolve to develop my country at a faster pace becomes even stronger, so that India’s experience can also be beneficial to those countries. Approximately 3,000 years ago, a great poet of India, Kariyan Pungun-dra-naar, wrote in Tamil, the most ancient language in the world, “We belong to all places and to everyone”. That sense of belonging beyond borders is unique to India.”
UN General Assembly2019English text as published by the United Nations. The speech may have been delivered in another official UN language.Source: United NationsSpeech held by session and year. Its individual meeting record is not yet linked.
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“India is a great culture that is thousands of years old, has its own vibrant traditions and has encompassed universal dreams. Our values and culture see divinity in every being and strive for the welfare of all. The very core of our approach is therefore public welfare through public participation, not just for India but for the entire world. That is the reason why we draw inspiration from our motto, “Collective efforts for the growth of all, with everyone’s trust” — a motto that is also not confined to the borders of India. Our endeavours are neither an expression nor an act of pity nor a pretence. They are inspired by a sense of duty and duty alone and are all focused on 1.3 billion Indians. However, the dreams that those efforts are trying to fulfil are the same dreams nurtured by the entire world, by every country and every society.”
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English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“I am pleased to inform the Assembly that, as I am addressing members today, a very large campaign is being initiated across the entire country to make India free of single-use plastic. In the next five years, in addition to promoting water conservation, we are going to ensure a water supply to 150 million homes and build more than 125,000 kilometres of new roads. By 2022, when India celebrates its seventy-fifth independence day, we plan to have built 20 million houses for the poor. While the world has set itself the target of eradicating tuberculosis by 2030, in India we are working towards eradicating it by 2025. The question that arises is how we have been able to achieve all that. How is it that such rapid changes are occurring in India?”
UN General Assembly2019English text as published by the United Nations. The speech may have been delivered in another official UN language.Source: United NationsSpeech held by session and year. Its individual meeting record is not yet linked.
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“When a developing country successfully runs the world’s biggest financial inclusion scheme, opening more than 370 million bank accounts for those in poverty in just five years, the systems that result from that scheme build confidence in those affected by poverty across the entire world. When a developing country launches the world’s biggest digital-identification programme for its citizens, giving them a biometric identity that ensures their rights and saves approximately $20 billion by reducing corruption, the modern systems that result from that programme give the world new hope. As I entered this building, I noticed the call on one of its entrance walls to make the United Nations free of single-use plastic.”
UN General Assembly2019English text as published by the United Nations. The speech may have been delivered in another official UN language.Source: United NationsSpeech held by session and year. Its individual meeting record is not yet linked.
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“When a developing country is able to successfully implement the world’s biggest sanitation campaign as part of the Clean India mission, building more than 110 million toilets in just five years for its people, its achievements and outcomes constitute an inspirational message for the entire world. When a developing country successfully runs the world’s biggest health insurance scheme, giving 500 million people access to annual health coverage worth 500,000 rupees at no cost to them, the achievements and response systems that result from that scheme show the world a new path.”
UN General Assembly2019English text as published by the United Nations. The speech may have been delivered in another official UN language.Source: United NationsSpeech held by session and year. Its individual meeting record is not yet linked.
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“It is a great honour for me to address the General Assembly at its seventy-fourth session on behalf of 1.3 billion Indians. It is also a very special occasion because this year, the entire world is celebrating 150 years since the birth of Mahatma Gandhi. His message of truth and non-violence is still very relevant for us today for peace, development and progress in the world. This year we witnessed the holding of the world’s biggest election in the world’s biggest democracy. The largest number of voters ever voted my Government into power for a second term, with an even stronger mandate than before. It is thanks to that mandate that I am once again standing here before the Assembly. However, the message that my Government’s mandate conveys has an even greater, wider and more inspiring significance.”
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English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“In preparing and implementing the post-2015 development agenda, let us come together to keep our promises. For 2015, let us come together to give a new direction and make the moment memorable by giving the world a new lease on development. The year 2015 should be a banner year in history — a turning point in history. I hope that we will all live up to its promise.”
UN General Assembly2014English text as published by the United Nations. The speech may have been delivered in another official UN language.Source: United NationsSpeech held by session and year. Its individual meeting record is not yet linked.
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“If we can keep all of that in mind, through exchanges of views, dialogue with universities, and intergenerational discussions with young people, who can contribute ideas, then we will find the ways to connect all of those things for future generations. That is why I say that arriving at the milestone of 70 years presents us with a great opportunity that we should not waste. By taking full advantage of this moment, we could achieve a new consciousness, a new life, with new ambitions and aspirations. We could give the journey of the United Nations a new form. I therefore feel that 70 years is a great opportunity for us. Let us come together and fulfil our promise to bring improvements to the Security Council. That issue has been before us for a long time, yet there has not been much progress. We need to think very seriously about it.”
UN General Assembly2014English text as published by the United Nations. The speech may have been delivered in another official UN language.Source: United NationsSpeech held by session and year. Its individual meeting record is not yet linked.
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“Every age is defined by its character and remembered for how it rose to meet its challenges. Today, we are responsible to rise and meet those challenges. Next year, the United Nations will be 70 years old. We should ask ourselves whether we should wait until we are 80 or 100 years old to take action. I believe that next year will provide an opportunity for the United Nations. After a voyage spanning 70 years, we shall be able to look back and review what we have achieved, whence we began, why we left certain places, what motivated us, how we proceeded and what we have attained. What are the challenges facing us in the twenty-first century?”
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English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“I would like to draw the Assembly’s attention to another idea. When we talk of climate change, we are also talking about holistic health care, connecting with nature and going back to basics. Today, I would like to underscore that yoga is an invaluable gift from our ancient tradition. Yoga embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action. It is important to coordinate all of those aspects. Such a holistic approach is valuable to our health and our well-being. Yoga is not just about exercise; it is a way to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and nature. By changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can also help us deal with climate change. Let us work towards adopting an international yoga day. Finally, we are at a historic moment.”
UN General Assembly2014English text as published by the United Nations. The speech may have been delivered in another official UN language.Source: United NationsSpeech held by session and year. Its individual meeting record is not yet linked.
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“The global community has agreed to work together on the basis of common but differentiated responsibility. That must continue to be the foundation of future action. That also means that developed countries must fulfil their commitments in terms of funding and technology transfer. Secondly, national action is imperative. Technology has made many things possible, such as renewable energy. We need imagination and commitment. India stands ready to share its technology and capabilities, as for example through the recently announced free access to a satellite. Thirdly, we need to change our lifestyles. Avoiding energy use is the cleanest option and would give a new direction to our economy. For us in India, respect for nature is fundamental and an integral part of spiritualism. It is part of our ideology.”
UN General Assembly2014English text as published by the United Nations. The speech may have been delivered in another official UN language.Source: United NationsSpeech held by session and year. Its individual meeting record is not yet linked.
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“That makes it clear that more comprehensive and concerted international action is required. We cannot keep waiting for economic development. In India, the most important aspects of my development agenda are focused precisely on those very issues, which should also be at the core of the post- 2015 development agenda, as they deserve our utmost attention. A world that is more habitable and sustainable is an objective we must work towards. There has been much debate and much written about that, but it takes only a brief glance around our countries to become concerned. We are very concerned indeed about issues relating to forests, wildlife, birds, rivers, water sources and the blue sky above. I would like to address three points. First, if we are to meet all of the challenges, we must fully uphold our responsibilities.”
UN General Assembly2014English text as published by the United Nations. The speech may have been delivered in another official UN language.Source: United NationsSpeech held by session and year. Its individual meeting record is not yet linked.
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“If we think of the speed with which Facebook or Twitter have spread around the world and cell-phone use has proliferated, then we must also believe that development and empowerment can spread with the same speed. It is up to each country to make its own efforts at the national level. Each Government must fulfil its responsibilities. International participation is also very important. At one level, it requires better coordination of policy, so that our efforts become mutually supportive, not mutually damaging. It also means that, when we craft agreements on international trade, we accommodate one another’s concerns and interests. Let us think about the scale of the need. Today, basic sanitation is out of the reach of 2.5 billion people; 1.3 billion have no access to electricity and 1.1 billion no access to drinking water.”
UN General Assembly2014English text as published by the United Nations. The speech may have been delivered in another official UN language.Source: United NationsSpeech held by session and year. Its individual meeting record is not yet linked.
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“But if they are excluded from decision-making, then how can United Nations peacekeeping become more vital and urgent? We need to seriously consider that. Today, let us redouble our efforts in pursuit of global disarmament. Let us also spare no effort to ensure that we work tirelessly towards those goals. Globalization has created new industries and sources of employment. At the same time, billions live in the shadow of poverty. A great many countries are suffering economic deprivation, barely keeping their heads above water. What seems so difficult today was never so difficult in the past. Technology has made many things possible. Reduction in the cost of technology has made it more widely available.”
UN General Assembly2014English text as published by the United Nations. The speech may have been delivered in another official UN language.Source: United NationsSpeech held by session and year. Its individual meeting record is not yet linked.
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“It must be emphasized that our combined strength to fight against terrorism should be reflected in the convention. Our country, which has endured so many terrorist attacks, knows that, so long as the United Nations fails to take the initiative in that effort, and so long as we do not adopt a convention, we cannot be successful. In such work, we must not forget to make provision for peace, stability and order in outer space and cyberspace. We must work together to ensure that all countries observe international rules and norms. We must include the host countries and troop- contributing countries in our decision-making on United Nations peacekeeping. If they are included, their confidence will increase considerably. They are ready to make major sacrifices and to give their time and energy.”
UN General Assembly2014English text as published by the United Nations. The speech may have been delivered in another official UN language.Source: United NationsSpeech held by session and year. Its individual meeting record is not yet linked.
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“Institutions that reflect the imperatives of the twentieth century will not be effective in the twenty-first century. They face the risk of irrelevance. I would like to emphasize that the policies and rules we made in the twentieth century may no longer be applicable. The speed of change is very fast. It is therefore essential that, in tune with the times, we adapt and reformulate, making the necessary changes and introducing new ideas. Only when we have done that will we be relevant. We should set aside all our differences and mount a concerted international effort to combat terrorism and extremism. Towards that end, we should adopt a comprehensive convention on international terrorism. That is something which is long overdue.”
UN General Assembly2014English text as published by the United Nations. The speech may have been delivered in another official UN language.Source: United NationsSpeech held by session and year. Its individual meeting record is not yet linked.
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“That is what we appear to be weighing. The pessimists are cynical. Like them, we are inclined to say nothing will change. It is easy to be cynical and to say nothing will change. But if we do that, we run the risk of shirking our responsibilities and putting our collective future in danger. We must unite and prepare to meet the needs of our times. We must really work for global peace. No one country or group of countries can determine the course of the world or its policies. It is imperative to have genuine international participation and partnership. We should try to promote positive dialogue and cooperation among countries. Our efforts must begin at the United Nations. It is important that we improve the Security Council by making it more democratic and participative.”
UN General Assembly2014English text as published by the United Nations. The speech may have been delivered in another official UN language.Source: United NationsSpeech held by session and year. Its individual meeting record is not yet linked.
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“There is the Group of Four, the Group of Seven and the Group of 20 — and the numbers keep changing. Whether or not we really want to do so, we, including India, become members of them. Is it not the time to move on and leave behind those groups? When the United Nations celebrates its seventieth anniversary, how do we create a Group-of-All atmosphere? How can the General Assembly create an opportunity to solve all our problems? How can people begin to be more trustful? How can we become less competitive? We talk about unity, but then we divide the whole into different parts and pieces. Can we prevent ourselves from doing so? On the one hand, we say that our policies are interconnected; on the other, we think in terms of zero-sum gains. We think that if the other benefits, I stand to lose. Who receives the benefit and who suffers the loss?”
UN General Assembly2014English text as published by the United Nations. The speech may have been delivered in another official UN language.Source: United NationsSpeech held by session and year. Its individual meeting record is not yet linked.
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“If we want to overcome terrorism, then they must all contribute towards its eradication. We strongly emphasize this. Oceans, seas, space and cyberspace, besides contributing to our common wealth and prosperity, are becoming new theatres of conflict. In the same oceans that used to connect us, we are today hearing news of disputes. We once saw space as holding out potential for our achievements. Today, in cyberspace, which connects us in important areas, new dangers are being seen. International harmony and cooperation — on which the United Nations was founded — are needed now more than ever before. Today, we talk about an interdependent world, but have we become more united as nations? We need to think about that. Why, when we have a good forum like the United Nations, do we keep creating so many different groups?”
UN General Assembly2014English text as published by the United Nations. The speech may have been delivered in another official UN language.Source: United NationsSpeech held by session and year. Its individual meeting record is not yet linked.
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“They did not quite understand it and stated that it was a law-and-order problem. Today, the entire world is witness to the slow spread of terrorism far and wide. Are we really making integrated efforts at the international level to fight against those powerful groups? I know that terrorism is a very serious problem for discussion. Even today, some countries are giving refuge to international terrorists, and they consider terrorism a tool of their policy. Good terrorism and bad terrorism — that is what we hear these days. At this time, there is a question mark regarding our struggle to fight against terrorism. The brutal return of terrorism in West Asia and its impact on countries far and near has elicited a concerted effort, which we welcome. However, the effort should involve all the countries of the region.”
UN General Assembly2014English text as published by the United Nations. The speech may have been delivered in another official UN language.Source: United NationsSpeech held by session and year. Its individual meeting record is not yet linked.
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“Today, the world is witnessing a high level of tension and turmoil. There are no major wars, but tension and conflict abound. There is an absence of peace and uncertainty about the future. Even today, there is rampant poverty everywhere. The Asia-Pacific region, which is integrating, is still concerned about maritime security. That is fundamental to its future. Europe faces a new threat of division. In West Asia, the dividing lines and terrorism are increasing. In our own region, we are still struggling to combat terrorism and instability. For the past four decades, we have faced such a threat. Terrorism emerges in new forms and under new names. Be it small or large, in the North, the South, the East or the West, no country is free from threats. I remember when I met with world leaders 20 years ago, and we talked about terrorism.”
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English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“However, it is also Pakistan’s responsibility to come forward and to genuinely establish the appropriate atmosphere for bilateral talks. In raising that issue in this forum, I do not know how successful our efforts will be. Some people are doubtful. Today, we need to assist the victims of the floods in Kashmir. In India, we have organized large-scale assistance. We have not stopped at only India helping Kashmir. We have also asked Pakistan to assist, since that area was also affected by the floods. We have told Pakistan that just as we were helping the flood victims in India, we would also like to help those in Pakistan. We have proposed that. We are a part of the developing world but have limited resources. We would like to share our modest resources with all those who are in dire need of assistance.”
UN General Assembly2014English text as published by the United Nations. The speech may have been delivered in another official UN language.Source: United NationsSpeech held by session and year. Its individual meeting record is not yet linked.
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“We have seen unprecedented prosperity in Asia and beyond founded on strengthened peace and stability. Latin America, a continent of enormous potential, is coming together in the shared pursuit of stability and prosperity. That continent may prove to be an important anchor for the global community. India looks forward to a peaceful and stable environment for its development. Our future is linked to our neighbourhood. That is why, from the very first day, my Government gave the highest priority to promoting friendship and cooperation with our neighbouring countries. I have the same policy towards Pakistan. I want to hold serious bilateral talks with Pakistan in order to improve friendship and cooperation in a peaceful atmosphere, without the shadow of terrorism. I want to hold bilateral talks with that country.”
UN General Assembly2014English text as published by the United Nations. The speech may have been delivered in another official UN language.Source: United NationsSpeech held by session and year. Its individual meeting record is not yet linked.
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“We have helped to build a future for poor children. We have contributed towards the elimination of starvation and strived to save our planet. The 69 United Nations peacekeeping missions have made the Blue Helmet a symbol of peace in the world. Today, there is a surge of democracy across the world. The peaceful democratic transformation in Afghanistan shows that the Afghan people’s aspiration for peace will definitely triumph over violence. We have seen Nepal emerge from war towards peace and democracy. Bhutan’s young democracy is flourishing. There are also efforts towards democracy in West Asia and North Africa. Tunisia’s success shows that such a path of democracy is possible. In Africa, there is a new momentum for stability, peace and progress, and a new awareness is on the horizon.”
UN General Assembly2014English text as published by the United Nations. The speech may have been delivered in another official UN language.Source: United NationsSpeech held by session and year. Its individual meeting record is not yet linked.
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“Today, as I stand here, I am equally aware of the hopes and expectations that are pinned on the General Assembly. I am struck by the sacred belief that brought us together. We established the Organization on the basis of great principles and perspectives, in the belief that if our futures are connected, we will have to work together for peace and security, for human rights and for the economic development of all. We must work together to those ends. At that time, there were only 51 countries. Today, 193 sovereign flags fly in front of this building. Each new country enters on the basis of the same belief and expectation. In the past six decades, we have been able to achieve a great deal. We have ended many wars. We have established and maintained peace. We have assisted economic development in many places.”
UN General Assembly2014English text as published by the United Nations. The speech may have been delivered in another official UN language.Source: United NationsSpeech held by session and year. Its individual meeting record is not yet linked.
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“With the inspiration of that philosophy, a country marches ahead. India is a country that since its Vedic times, has been saying that the world, the entire globe, is a family. India is a country where, beyond nature, we have a communication, a dialogue, with nature. We never struggle with nature. That is a part of Indian life. The reason is that with that philosophy, India has been moving forward. Each country and each nation is shaped by its civilization and its philosophical tradition. India’s ancient wisdom, as I have said, sees the world as one family. India is a country that not only speaks for itself but for worldwide justice, dignity, opportunity and prosperity. We have always spoken out in support of such issues. Owing to our ideology, we have a firm belief in multilateralism.”
UN General Assembly2014English text as published by the United Nations. The speech may have been delivered in another official UN language.Source: United NationsSpeech held by session and year. Its individual meeting record is not yet linked.
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“At the outset, I would like to congratulate you, Sir, on your election as President of the General Assembly at its sixty-ninth session. It is a truly a great honour for me to address the Assembly for the first time as Prime Minister of India. I am humbled by the hopes and expectations of the people of India. I am also mindful of the expectations of the world from our 1.25 billion people. My country, India, is home to one sixth of the world’s population. It is a nation experiencing economic and social transformation on a scale rarely seen in the history of the world. Every country’s world view is shaped by its civilization and its philosophical traditions. India’s ancient wisdom sees the world as one family, and when I say this, I wish to make it clear that each country has its philosophy. I am not talking about ideology.”
UN General Assembly2014English text as published by the United Nations. The speech may have been delivered in another official UN language.Source: United NationsSpeech held by session and year. Its individual meeting record is not yet linked.
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.