India deserves UNSC permanent membership, says PM Narendra Modi

DHAKA: Making a strong pitch for India's permanent membership at the UN Security Council, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today wondered why the country having one-sixth of the world's population was still not getting its rightful place at the powerful world body.

In an address at the Bangabandhu International Convention Centre here, Modi said India has made significant contribution to the world peace and it must be given UNSC permanent membership reflecting the reality of 21st century.

"In the UN Security Council, India is still not getting a place. Can you even imagine One sixth of the world's population resides in India. Every sixth person in the world is an Indian. In regard to peace etc, (it) does not have a right to have a strong voice. What kind of thought is that," Modi said.

In his over one-hour-long speech, Modi said the UN must realise that times have changed and they need to look at the world differently.

"UN nations is going to celebrate its 70th anniversary. The journey of 70 years is not a short period. Under the shadow the first World War and the second World, the UN was born.

"The world scenario was different at that time. Industrial revolution had taken place. Now it is the time of internet revolution. Times have changed but UN is still there at the same place," Modi said.

India have been pressing for UNSC permanent membership for last few years but it has not bore fruit.

"I can say it openly and clearly, times have changed. India is such a country which never attacked anybody for land. In the first World War, 13 lakh Indian soldiers participated not to protect any peace of land for India but they fought for others and nearly 75,000 soldiers made supreme sacrifices. And then also nobody is paying attention to our contribution. We have to give a proof of that.

"In the second World War nearly 15 lakh soldiers fought for other countries, died for other countries. Nearly 90,000 soldiers made supreme sacrifices in the WW II," Modi said listing India's contribution to the world peace.

He also talked about India's contribution to the UN peacekeeping missions across the world and emphasised that India must be made a member of the top UN body.