English Rendition Of External Affairs Minister's address

at the 71st UNGA, New York (September 26, 2016)

September 26, 2016

Honble President,

1. On behalf of India and on my own behalf, I congratulate you on your election as President of

the 71st United Nations General Assembly. Let me also take this opportunity to thank Secretary

General Ban Ki Moon for his services to the United Nations, historys largest peace movement.

Mr. President,

2. A year has passed since I stood here at this hallowed podium to address the members of the

international community. Since then, much has changed in the world around us some for the

better, some for the worse and much which has been cause of great concern. There can be no

better platform to ponder our actions and our achievements over the last year. We must

remember that we will be defined not just by our actions, but equally, by our inaction.

Mr. President,

3. A number of issues have been debated in this august Assembly - from the necessity of global

partnerships in sharing new vaccines and promoting access to affordable drugs to counter anti-

microbial resistance, to the need for faster implementation of the Sendai Framework to mitigate

the risk of natural disasters. From the challenge of ensuring well-ordered mobility of productive

human resources, to the necessity of adequate consultations with Troop Contributing Countries

before framing mandates for UN Peacekeeping Operations. But my time is limited. I would

therefore, focus only on some of the most pressing issues facing the international community.

Mr. President,

4. The true challenge of our time is to end the curse of harsh poverty that still lurks in so many

corners of our world; to ensure that the fruits of growing prosperity reach those who need it most;
 to take forward the mission of gender equality and protect women where there is gender

regression; and to ensure peace across boundaries, not least because there can be no prosperity

without peace.

5. I congratulate you for the priority you have given to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

by making them the theme for the 71st UNGA. I am happy that the 17 goals adopted by this

Assembly are matched by the development vision of my Government, which is geared towards

the achievement of these same objectives. Under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Clean India

Campaign), more than 400,000 toilets have been constructed in schools. The Beti Bachao Beti

Padhao (Educate the Girl Child, Save the Girl Child) programme has become a nation-wide

mission. The Make in India brand is receiving international acclaim. Almost 250 million bank

accounts have been opened for the poor under the Jan Dhan Yojana, the largest financial inclusion

programme the world has ever seen. Digital India is transforming the country. Under the Skill India

initiative, a number of programmes are underway to enable youth to reap the demographic

dividend. These initiatives have added a new dimension to Indias growth story, making it the

fastest growing major economy in the world at a time of slow global growth.

Mr. President,

6. We are all aware that 1/6th of humanity lives in India. Therefore global success in realizing SDGs

depends on the success achieved in India. We are committed to the wholehearted implementation

of the Agenda 2030 as a national effort. We have decided to dedicate one day in each session of

our Parliament for discussions only on SDGs. This will enable us to constantly monitor their

progress and this will give us good results.

7. However, in a globalised world, national effort needs to be supplemented by international

cooperation for the successful implementation of Agenda 2030.

Mr. President,

8. Climate change is yet another serious challenge confronting us. There are enough resources on

this planet to fulfil everyones needs, but not enough to fulfil anyones greed, for greed is

limitless. In this context PM Modi has championed a new concept Climate Justice. If we respect
 nature, nature will respect and nurture us and future generations. But, if we exploit nature

mindlessly, then we must be mindful that nature will unleash its fury upon us. In different parts of

the world, we have already seen nature drift towards the unnatural from torrential rain to

excessive heat, from tsunamis to storms and cloudbursts.

9. We must curb reckless consumption, and adopt lifestyles in harmony with nature. Yoga, the

storehouse of Indias ancient wisdom, epitomises a sustainable lifestyle. Let me record our

gratitude for the unprecedented global response to the International Day of Yoga.

10. In the Paris Agreement, the principle of 'Common but Differentiated Responsibilities' and

Respective Capabilities has been acknowledged and accepted. This makes clear that while our

responsibility is common, obligations are different. Developed nations must discharge their

responsibility in the search for the common good, with finance and technology transfer.

11. India has launched an ambitious domestic effort to transform our energy mix to achieve 40%

energy from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. The massive investments required entail a

predictable and stable environment towards which we are working actively. Apart from this, our

path-breaking initiative for an International Solar Alliance is intended to make efficient solar

technology available for all.

12. I assure this Assembly that India will continue to play a leading role in combating climate change.

We have decided to submit our Instrument of Ratification of the Paris Agreement on October 2,

the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi who epitomised a lifestyle with the smallest carbon

footprint.

Mr. President,

13. Let me now turn to a subject of the most critical importance, one which deeply concerns every

member of this Assembly. This month we marked the 15th Anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks

on this city. Tragically, less than 15 days ago, another attempt at killing innocents was made

through an act of terror in this same city. We, who have suffered in Uri recently, understand the

pain inflicted by the same forces. The world has been battling this scourge for long. However,

despite the blood and tears of innocent victims, attacks this year alone in Kabul and Dhaka,
 Istanbul and Mogadishu, Brussels and Bangkok, Paris, Pathankot and Uri as well as daily barbaric

tragedies in Syria and Iraq, remind us that these malevolent forces are yet to be defeated.

14. We must acknowledge that terrorism is undoubtedly the biggest violation of human rights. It

targets the innocent and kills indiscriminately. Terrorism has gone way beyond affecting

individuals or nations it is a crime against humanity itself. But it is important to ask - who is

behind this and who benefits from it? Terrorists do not own banks or weapons factories, so let us

ask the real question: who finances these terrorists, who arms them and provides sanctuaries? We

heard similar questions being asked by Afghanistan from this podium.

Mr. President,

15. History proves that those who seed extremist ideologies, reap a bitter harvest. The germ of evil

has grown into a hydra-headed monster, backed by technological sophistication that threatens

the peace and harmony of our world. We will not be able to win against terrorism by making

specious distinctions between your problems and mine, between terrorists who attack you and

those who attack me. For we do not know who this Frankensteins monster will devour next.

16. Therefore if we want to defeat terrorism, there is only one way that we unite across our

differences, add steel to our resolve and inject urgency in our response. We need to forget our

prejudices and join hands together to script an effective strategy against terror. This is not an

impossible task provided we have the will. We can do it, we must do it. Otherwise our future

generations will forever hold us to account. And if any nation refuses to join this global strategy,

then we must isolate it.

17. In our midst, there are nations that still speak the language of terrorism, that nurture it, peddle it,

and export it. To shelter terrorists has become their calling card. We must identify these nations

and hold them to account. These nations, in which UN designated terrorists roam freely, lead

processions and deliver their poisonous sermons of hate with impunity, are as culpable as the

very terrorists they harbour. Such countries should have no place in the comity of nations.

Mr. President,
18. On 21st September, the Prime Minister of Pakistan used this podium to make baseless allegations

about human rights violations in my country. I can only say that those accusing others of human

rights violations would do well to introspect and see what egregious abuses they are perpetrating

in their own country, including in Balochistan. The brutality against the Baloch people represents

the worst form of State oppression.

Mr. President,

19. The Prime Minister of Pakistan also said that India has placed pre-conditions for talks which are

not acceptable to him. What pre-conditions? Did we impose any pre-condition before extending an

invitation for the oath-taking ceremony of our Government? Did we impose any pre-condition

when I went to Islamabad for the Heart of Asia conference and agreed to begin the

Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue? Did we impose any pre-condition when Prime Minister Modi

travelled from Kabul to Lahore? What pre-conditions? We took the initiative to resolve issues not

on the basis of conditions, but on the basis of friendship! We have in fact attempted a paradigm

of friendship in the last two years which is without precedent. We conveyed Eid greetings to the

Prime Minister of Pakistan, wished success to his cricket team, extended good wishes for his

health and well being. Did all this come with pre-conditions attached?

20. And what did we get in return? Pathankot, Bahadur Ali, and Uri. Bahadur Ali is a terrorist in our

custody, whose confession is a living proof of Pakistans complicity in cross-border terror. But

when confronted with such evidence, Pakistan remains in denial. It persists in the belief that such

attacks will enable it to obtain the territory it covets. My firm advice to Pakistan is: abandon this

dream. Let me state unequivocally that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and will

always remain so.

Mr. President,

21. As I said at the very beginning, we will be judged by our action and equally by our inaction. What

goals have we achieved and what objectives remain unfulfilled? I would like to highlight two such

pending tasks of this Assembly.

22. The CCIT was proposed by India in 1996. In 2016, despite the passage of two decades, we are yet

to come to a conclusion. As a result, we are unable to develop a norm under which terrorists shall

be prosecuted or extradited. Therefore it is my appeal that this General Assembly acts with fresh

resolve and urgency to adopt this critical Convention.

23. Just as we need a more contemporary approach to combating terrorism, we also need a less

outdated Security Council that continues to reflect the world order of an earlier era. The vast

majority of nations share the belief that the UN should not remain frozen in 1945, just to serve the

interests of a few. Whether it is institutions or issues, we must come to terms with present day

realities and the challenges that confront us. An expansion in the Permanent and non-Permanent

membership of the Council to reflect contemporary realities is therefore, an urgent necessity. We

must move forward substantively towards text-based negotiations.

Mr. President,

24. If both these long pending issues are addressed during your Presidency, the success of this

Session will be ensured.

25. The 21st century has begun in the shadow of turmoil, but we can turn this into a golden age in the

history of civilization through united and concerted efforts. But what happens tomorrow will

depend on what we do today.

Thank you.

Address by External Affairs Minister to BRICS

Youth Delegates
June 30, 2016

Honble Ministers from BRICS Member States,

Excellencies,
Representatives from the BRICS Countries,

BRICS Youth Delegates,

Friends from Media,

First of all, let me extend my warm welcome to all BRICS Youth Delegates to India. I am happy to see

so many of you having travelled from far to be in India. I am sure our Ministry of Youth Affairs and

young Indian delegates will be a perfect host to you during the visit.

It is very appropriate that the 2nd BRICS Youth Summit should be held in India, because India is the

most youthful country in the world today. 800 million citizens of India are under the age of 35. They are

the driving force which has made India the fastest growing major economy in the world and a

knowledge society which values learning and innovation.

I am glad that BRICS has recognized the power of youth and the As you all know, India assumed BRICS

Chairmanship from the Russian Federation for the year 2016.

It was during the 1st BRICS Youth Summit took place during Russias BRICS Chairmanship. that the 1st

BRICS Youth Summit took place.

It has been our endeavour to carry this tradition forward to foster bonds and exchanges amongst our

Youth, our future.

In Prime Minister Modi you will find the biggest champion of youth. He had stressed the role of youth in

his address at the Fortaleza Summit.

I quote, BRICS should, in fact, be driven by People to People contact. Our Youth, in particular must

take a lead in this. BRICS should explore developing innovative mechanisms of Youth engagement.

I am glad that would like to express my appreciation for our Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has

acted which is acting on the words of Prime Minister Modi and is organizing the BRICS Youth Summit. I

am told that a rich agenda for discussions has been worked out for your Summit.

You would be deliberating on several issues like skills development, social inclusion, youth

volunteerism and participation in governance. These all are themes which are of great contemporary
relevance, especially for BRICS countries.

Your deliberations will provide valuable inputs to the leaders of our countries in the BRICS Leadership

Summit.

Moreover, it will allow us to factor in the voices of our youth in the agenda of our leaderships.

All five BRICS countries have rich resources in terms of youth, and BRICS countries youthful and

democratic profiles, combined with our economic vibrancy, this can be an asset in consolidating

exchanges between our people.

I am sure that promoting deeper exchanges, especially among our youth, will enhance our collective

prosperity and well-being. Investing in youth makes them a partner in the endeavours that BRICS

undertakes. And the youth of BRICS can show the value of cooperation and consensus to the world.

Friends,

Building Responsive, Inclusive and Collective Solutions is the core theme for our BRICS Chairmanship.

We are especially focused on institution-building, implementing past commitments, and exploring

innovative solutions in a spirit of continuity with consolidation.

In its short journey, BRICS has left an indelible mark on the global economic and financial architecture.

The establishment of New Development Bank and Contingency Reserve Arrangement have been

landmark achievements in this regard.

Having started with economic issues, the BRICS agenda has considerably expanded over the years.

Today, BRICS is shaping the global discourse significantly on issues ranging from SDGs, climate

change, poverty alleviation, health, ICTs, corruption and norms of international law. We also need to

work together for early reforms of the UN Security Council, so that this body continues to be relevant

to the needs of beneficial in the 21st century.

We also need to work and fight together to eliminate international terrorism. in BRICS, UN Security

Council and its various Committees. This should be done without any differentiation of a "good or

"bad terrorist. A terrorist is a terrorist, and is someone who is acting against humanity as a whole.

Those countries whicho sponsor and harbour terrorists should be made to pay a price.

Friends,

During Indias BRICS Chairmanship, a series of events are being organised with special focus on youth.

These include the BRICS Under-17 Football Tournament, Young Diplomats Forum, Young Scientists

Conclave, Film Festival, Urbanisation Forum, Smart Cities Workshop, Local Bodies Conference, Wellness

Conclave and Convention on Tourism.

Making BRICS people-centric has been Indias priority. It is in this regard that we are organising BRICS

events across the cities and provinces of India. The Summit itself will be held in October in Goa, a State

in western India, famous for its churches, beaches and cuisine.

Similarly, the BRICS Youth Summit is being organised in Guwahati, the capital of Assam in north-

Eastern India, which has its own distinctive cultural characteristics. This will give you a glimpse of the

diversity of India.

I am confident each one of you as BRICS Ambassadors will carry your India-experience and happy

memories to your families and friends in your countries.

I am confident wish you all a very pleasant stay in India and hope your deliberations will enrich BRICS

efforts in mainstreaming youth in our programmes.

Let me end by a quote from Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of our Nation, who said, "We must become

the change we want to see. You, the youth of BRICS, are the ones who can translate this vision into

reality, by working as enlightened global citizens. The youth of BRICS can show the value of

cooperation and consensus to the world.

I wish you a pleasant stay in India and the very best in all your future endeavours.
Thank you.