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Modi slams Pakistan at NAM meet, says some countries busy spreading ‘other deadly viruses’

PM Modi calls for a ‘new template of globalisation’ after the Covid pandemic ends, wants WHO to build healthcare capacity in developing countries.

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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday called on all member countries of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) to come together to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, even as he slammed Pakistan for “spreading terrorism”.

Without naming Pakistan, Modi said some countries are spreading “other deadly viruses” such as terrorism, fake news and doctored videos.

“Even as the world fights Covid-19, some people are busy spreading other deadly viruses, such as terrorism, such as fake news, and doctored videos to divide communities and countries,” he said at a virtual NAM summit.


Also read: Modi govt to bring back Indians stuck abroad from 7 May — on ‘payment basis’ and in phases


WHO must boost healthcare capacity

Modi said multilateral institutions like the World Health Organization (WHO) should focus on building healthcare capacity in developing countries, and that global institutions should adapt to the needs of today’s world, which is being more “inclusive”.

“Covid-19 has shown us the limitations of the existing international system. We need a new template of globalisation based on fairness, equality and humanity in a post-Covid world,” the Prime Minister said. “We need to focus on human welfare and not just on economic growth.”

“We should build technology for all. We should develop a platform for all NAM countries for crisis management protocols and disaster management, in the founding spirit of movement to come together and not grow apart. Each of us can be saved from the pandemic only if we are together,” he said.

‘Pharmacy of the world’ 

Modi also said in an effort to help and cooperate with other countries in their fight against the deadly novel coronavirus, India has sent critical drugs and medical devices to 123 countries, including 59 members of NAM, showing India is ‘pharmacy of the world’ for essential medicines.

“India sees the whole world as one family. As we care for our own citizens, we are extending help to other countries,” he said.

The PM also took another veiled shot at Pakistan, adding that while some countries “organise military drills”, India organises disaster management drills in the south Asian region and beyond.

Stressing on the need for transparency in fighting such pandemics, Modi said: “During this crisis, we have shown how democracy and discipline can come together to create a genuine people’s movement.”


Also read: India sends drugs, medical supplies to 13 nations as govt shifts Covid aid focus to Africa


India and NAM 

The online NAM Contact Group Summit, on the theme ‘United against Covid-19’, was hosted by the current chairman of the grouping, Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

PM Modi was joined by over 30 other heads of state, heads of government, and other leaders.

The summit was also addressed by the President of the UN General Assembly, Prof. Tijjani Muhammed Bande, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, African Union chairperson Musa Faki Mahamat, EU High Representative Josep Borrell, as well as Director General of the World Health Organization, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus.

PM Modi had not attended the previous two NAM summits in 2016 and 2019, giving rise to speculation that India was moving away from the Cold War-era grouping.


Also read: Pressure mounts on India to call out China for Covid as it readies to take lead role at WHO


 

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3 COMMENTS

  1. India is scapegoating Pakistan and Muslims for COVID-19 crisis. The state’s fixation with Pakistan has grown to a level that there is no other debate which could hold the country together. While one can understand that India’s mainstream media has to keep the Modi regime happy, it is alarming that India’s army chief during his recent visit to Jammu and Kashmir remarked that Pakistan was exporting terror at a time when India is helping its citizens and the world to contain the pandemic.

    Instead of resorting to politicking over the issue, India needs to invest in its health care system which is not ready to handle the world’s second-largest population. India should not resort to anti-Pakistan and anti-Muslim rhetoric as that won’t turn away the looming crisis.

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