UNGA address: Modi launches scathing attack on Pakistan’s use of terror as political tool

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday did not name Pakistan but launched a scathing attack on Islamabad by asserting that there are countries that are using terror as a political tool and suggested it should be ensured that no country takes advantage of the delicate situation in Afghanistan.
Without naming Pakistan in his UNGA address in New York on Saturday, Modi took a potshot at the nation when he said "There are countries that are using terror as a political tool. They should know that terror is equally dangerous for them."

Referring to the Afghan situation, the Indian PM suggested, “It is absolutely essential to ensure that Afghanistan's territory is not used to spread terrorism and for terrorist activities. We also need to ensure that no country tries to take advantage of delicate situation in Afghanistan & use it for its own selfish interests. At this time, people of Afghanistan, women & children, minorities need help. We must fulfill our duties by providing them with help.”

He went on to elaborate on threat from the radical ideology. “Today, the world is facing an increased threat of regressive thinking and extremism. In such a situation, the entire world must make science-based, rational and progressive thinking the basis for development. In order to strengthen a science-based approach, India is promoting experience-based learning.”

In this context he also focussed on the strength of the Indian democracy. "The strength of India's democracy lies in the fact that a young tea seller is addressing the UN for the 4th time."

"India is a shining example of a vibrant democracy. Democracy can deliver, democracy has delivered," Modi asserted before the world audience.

Modi had last addressed UN General Assembly in 2019. At least 109 heads of state and government will address the UN General Assembly in person at the event in New York while 60 more will address the debate through pre-recorded video statements.

Many world leaders returned to the UN General Assembly session in New York this week with a focus on fighting Covid-19 pandemic, which forced many to send pre-recorded video statements last year. The theme of this year's UN General Assembly session 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.