Narendra Modi calls for UN reforms, says it has not developed as desired

India prime minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (29) pressed for the reform of the United Nations while expressing regret over some countries using the global body as a "tool" rather than an "institution" to resolve conflicts.

During an on-stage discussion with founder, co-chairman and co-chief investment officer of Bridgewater Associates, Ray Dalio, the prime minister said that the UN as an institution for conflict resolution has not developed as desired and nations should look to reform the UN structure.

Modi, who earlier delivered the keynote address at the high-profile Future Investment Initiative (FII), in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - dubbed as "Davos in the desert", said a body like the UN should not merely be an institution but also an instrument for positive change.

"We have to think whether the UN has risen to the occasion when it comes to conflict resolution. I had raised this issue when the UN turned 70 but much discussion could not happen. I hope this topic is discussed more actively when the UN turns 75," Modi said.

India is part of the G4 nations comprising Brazil, Germany and Japan which support each other's bids for permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council.

The prime minister regretted that the UN as an institution could not be developed.

The UN has to reform according to the realities of the 21st century, Modi said, adding that the global body should not limit itself to provide assistance in the event of calamities and natural disasters.

"Some used the UN as a tool and not as an institution. While some do not abide by the law, some are trapped under the burden of law. The world has to abide by law."

"Earlier expansionist tendencies determined strength. Today development oriented polity, the quest for innovation is determining what strength is," the Prime Minister said.

He also said that the times of a bipolar world have gone.

"We live in a time where every nation is connected and dependent on each other. The need of the hour is to strengthen a multi-polar order," he said.

Each and every nation is important today, he said.

He said that the world is changing at a quick pace and this is evident with water, land, air and space turning battlefields.