NEW YORK: India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi described India as the “mother of democracy”, and said “democracy can deliver” and “has delivered”.

He articulated a broad vision of India’s role on the world stage and raised questions on the effectiveness and reliability of the United Nations.

In his speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Saturday, PM Modi took on China’s expansionism in the Indo-Pacific and its capacity to undermine international institutions, according to Indian Express.

He also cited the example of the manipulation of World Bank’s ease of doing business rankings.

Targeting Pakistan following his discussions with leaders of the Quad and with US President Joe Biden, he drew attention to Islamabad’s “regressive thinking” and its use of “terrorism as a political tool”, according to the report.

PM Modi also called upon the international fraternity at the UN not to abandon Afghanistan where people including women, children and minorities need help.

Fresh from the Quad summit which dealt with the concept of a free and open Indo-Pacific, he said: “Our oceans are also our shared heritage, and that is why we must keep in mind that we must only use ocean resources and not abuse them. Further, our oceans are also the lifeline of international trade. We must protect them from the race for expansion and exclusion. The international community must speak in one voice to strengthen a rule-based world order. The broad consensus reached in the Security Council during India’s presidency shows to the world — the way forward for maritime security.”

He used Beijing’s bullying in global governance to argue in favour of reform of international institutions.

(With inputs from Indian Express)