Indian prime minister seeks world unity to fight terror

ANKARA

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday sought world unity to fight against terrorism.

Addressing the 74th session of UN General Assembly, Modi lamented the lack of unanimity amongst the member of international community on the issue of terrorism, saying it dents those very principles that are the basis for the creation of the UN.

"The lack of unanimity among us on the issue of terrorism dents those very principles that are the basis for the creation of the UN," said Modi, while speaking in Hindi.

He said India believes that terrorism was one of the biggest challenges, not for any single country, but for the entire world and humanity.

India had proposed a draft document in 1996 on the 'Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism' at the General Assembly. But there is no consensus on its provisions.

Modi went on to say that since his country has given to the world Lord Buddha’s message of peace, that is why India raises voice against terrorism to alert the world about this evil, rings with seriousness and the outrage.

He also reminded that the world is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on Oct. 2, whose message of truth and non-violence is "very relevant for us even today, for peace, development and progress in the world."

To commemorate Gandhi, Modi soon after coming to power in 2014 had launched the world's biggest sanitation campaign.

Mentioning achievements, he said his government has so far built over 110 million toilets, which he said is "an inspirational message for the entire world".

He also outlined his government's success in several areas in medical care, road constructions, water and electricity supply and financial aids too poor people.

In the healthcare sector, he claimed that 500 million people will be provided free health services, by "successfully" running "the world’s biggest health insurance scheme".

He said, India has come forward to build, seek collective efforts to address serious global challenges and issues. Modi argued that his country's contribution to global warming is "very low" as they have taken steps to achieve the target of 450 Gigawatts of renewable energy.

"We have also taken the initiative to create the International Solar Alliance," he added.

To deal with natural disasters which is the result of global warming, he said, India has initiated the formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, that will help to build infrastructure which can withstand natural disasters.

* Shuriah Niazi from New Delhi