Paris, April 12 Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong pitch for India to be given a seat in the UN Security Council, saying that India, the land of the Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi – a land of peace – is asking for its rights to be given a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.
Addressing an enthusiastic civic reception by the Indian community on Saturday evening, Modi said that this is the centenary year of World War I, and India gave 14 lakh jawans to fight in a war that was not its, and lost 75,000 men.
He said 11 of the Indians won the Victoria Cross for their valour. “I went to get blessings from them,” he said referring to his visit to the Neuve Chapelle earlier in the day to pay tribute to the thousands of Indians who were killed in the WWI.
“I want to give the message to world, that they should view India differently, that this is a country that gives sacrifice not just for itself but for others,” he said.
He said India is the largest contributor to the UN peacekeeping force and the Indian soldiers are known for their discipline, valour, intelligence. “India is a country that is for peace, and helps bring peace to the world, and yet we are fighting to get a seat in the UNSC,” he said.
“I appeal to the world, that in the year that the world is observing the centenary of WWI, it is the time to give the haq (right) to the land of Mahatma Gandhi and Buddha. The time is over when India would ask for a favour, today India is asking for its rights,” he said to loud cheers.