'India Deserves A Much Higher, Deeper And Wider Profile And A Role': PM Modi In WSJ Interview

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India deserves a "much higher, deeper and wider profile and a role" in today's world.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal ahead of his state visit to the United States, PM Modi called for a revamp of international organisations, including the United Nations, to better suit the current multipolar world order.

He emphasised the need for these institutions to be more representative of the world's less-affluent nations and their priorities.

PM Modi attributed many of the world's challenges, such as terrorism, proxy wars, and expansionism, to the failure of Cold War-era global institutions to adapt.

He argued that smaller and regional groups have emerged to fill the void, highlighting the necessity for change within global institutions like the UN.

PM Modi also raised the issues being faced by the Global South.

This comes as India aims to position itself as a natural leader of the global South, aligning itself with the aspirations of developing countries that have long been overlooked.

“India deserves a much higher, deeper and wider profile and a role,” said PM Modi.

PM Modi also questioned the true representation of democratic values within key institutions and pointed out the lack of voice for regions like Africa.

With India's vast population and thriving global economy, he emphasised that it deserves a more prominent role in shaping global affairs.

“Look at the membership of key institutions—does it truly represent the voice of democratic values?” PM Modi was quoted as saying by WSJ.

“A place like Africa—does it have a voice? India has such a huge population and is a bright spot in the global economy, but is it present?” he added.

Furthermore, he advocated for a reevaluation of the current membership of the UN Security Council and suggested that the world should decide if India deserves a seat, citing the country's significant contributions to peacekeeping operations worldwide.

PM Modi also attributed his conduct and thought process to being the first Prime Minister born in independent India.

“I am the first Prime Minister to be born in free India,” PM Modi said.

“And that’s why my thought process, my conduct, what I say and do, is inspired and influenced by my country’s attributes and traditions. I derive my strength from it," he said.

“I present my country to the world as my country is, and myself, as I am,” he added.