File photo: PM Modi
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called for stronger global institutions, a greater voice for the Global South and effective international cooperation during crises, while accusing the Congress leadership of repeatedly failing to launch its leader politically.Addressing the NDTV World Summit 2026 in New Delhi, PM Modi said institutions such as the United Nations were struggling to keep pace with the changing world order and emerging challenges, according to news agency ANI.PM Modi warned that trade, technology and sea routes were increasingly being “weaponised”, stressing the need for a global system that prevents the strong from exploiting the vulnerable. Citing ancient Indian statesman Chanakya, he referred to the Sanskrit aphorism ‘apranitah tu matsyanyayam udbhavayati’, which he explained as a situation where the absence of law and order allows the strong to prey on the weak.“The world does not need such a situation. It needs a system that stops this 'matsya nyaya' from happening,” PM Modi said.Highlighting India's role in global cooperation, Modi cited the country's humanitarian assistance during the Covid-19 pandemic. “During the Covid-19 pandemic, the world experienced India taking on such a role. India sent vaccines to every country in need; sent medicines to over 100 countries,” he said.
“The changing world order calls for stronger global institutions, a greater voice for the Global South, and international cooperation that stands firm in times of crisis,” he added.PM Modi said India's vision of becoming a developed nation, or Viksit Bharat, by 2047 went beyond domestic ambitions. “It is also a guarantee for a better world,” he said, adding that international cooperation must remain effective during crises and not just in favourable circumstances.
“India is strengthening its own capabilities to help strengthen the world,” he said.
PM Modi targets Congress over repeated attempts to launch its leader
At the same summit, PM Modi took a swipe at the Congress, accusing the party's leadership of becoming a burden on the organisation and repeatedly attempting to launch its leader politically.
“This family of Congress has become a burden on its own party,” PM Modi said.Drawing a comparison with India's space programme, he said, “We don't have as many launches from Sriharikota in one year as the Congress makes failed attempts to launch its leader in one year.”Taking another dig at the opposition party, PM Modi questioned how long the country would remain at stake over these attempts. “Who knows how long Congress will keep the country at stake while trying to launch its ‘failed product’,” he said.PM Modi also accused some people of damaging India's global reputation and seeking foreign intervention in the country's affairs.“Some hell-bent on dragging India's reputation through mud; they go abroad, defame India, petition foreigners for intervention,” he said.