'Trade becoming means of weaponisation, sea routes epicenter of geopolitical tension': PM Modi highlights India's role in changing world order

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday highlighted India's role in the changing world order, noting that trade is increasingly being weaponised, technology is emerging as a new arena for competition and conflict, and sea routes are becoming epicentres of geopolitical tensions.

"For decades, trade has brought countries together, technology has eliminated distances, sea routes have connected economies, and culture and mobility have brought people and societies closer. However, these very links now face new tensions. Trade is increasingly being weaponised, technology is becoming a new arena of competition and conflict, and sea routes are emerging as centres of geopolitical tensions," said PM Modi while speaking at NDTV World Summit.



"The real challenge is to shape a new order that reflects new realities, makes global institutions more effective, and strengthens the spirit of cooperation among nations. And this is where the question of Bharat’s role arises," said the PM.

While highlighting India's role, PM Modi said, "India, guided by the mantra of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas," is playing the role of Vishwa Bandhu. You have also seen that under India's leadership, the G20 Summit took place, the BRICS Summit took place. There were so many apprehensions expressed regarding both these Summits. It was being said that reaching consensus on the declarations would be impossible. But India built bridges, emphasized dialogue, and on both occasions, the Delhi Declaration was issued through consensus."

"Even countries said to be mutually opposed came together on India's platform. This is not mere coincidence; it is trust in India's role as Vishwa Bandhu," said PM Modi.

While acknowledging the historic role played by the United Nations and other international institutions, he stressed that their limitations in dealing with contemporary challenges have become clearly evident. New powers are rising, new voices are demanding inclusion, and new problems require fresh solutions. When the reality of the world changes but the mechanisms for decision-making remain stagnant, a growing disconnect emerges between the evolving global situation and the existing systems.

This, the Prime Minister said, is precisely what the world is witnessing today. The remarks underscored India’s long-standing call for reform of global institutions to make them more representative, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the 21st century.