Global threats need global approach, says PM Modi, calls for cooperation framework

His comments come amid the diplomatic row between India and Canada following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegation about a “potential link between agents of the Government of India” and the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was a Canadian citizen.

India has rejected the allegations as “absurd” and “motivated”. It has accused Ottawa of not acting against Khalistan separatists in Canada, and not sharing any specific information on the killing of Nijjar. But at the same time, it has opened a window for cooperation, saying if any specific information is provided, New Delhi will be willing to look into it.

“In the 21st century, we live in a deeply connected world. Every legal mind or institution is highly vigilant about its jurisdiction. However, there are many forces against which we are fighting that do not care about borders or jurisdictions. And when threats are global, the approach to dealing with them should also be global,” Modi said at the lawyers’ conference.

“Whether it’s cyber terrorism, money laundering, artificial intelligence, or its misuse, there are many issues where cooperation requires a global framework. It’s not merely a matter for any one government or administration. To address these challenges, the legal frameworks of different countries need to come together, just as we collaborate for air traffic control. No one says, ‘Your laws are yours, and my laws are mine, and I don’t care.’ In that case, no plane will land anywhere. Everyone adheres to common rules and regulations, protocols. In the same way, we need to establish a global framework in various domains. The International Lawyers’ Conference should undoubtedly delve into this direction, and give a new direction to the world,” he said.

Modi also emphasised “simplicity of language and law” as “another big aspect of justice delivery”. “Now, we are also contemplating presenting the law in two ways: one in the language that you all are familiar with, and another in a language that an ordinary person from our country can understand. An ordinary person should also consider the law as his own… The language in which laws are written and the language in which court proceedings take place play a significant role in ensuring justice,” he said, adding that the government has made a start with the data protection law.

“We should continuously work on improving legal procedures through technology, reforms, and new judicial practices,” he said.

In his speech, Modi also highlighted the importance of alternate dispute resolution. He said India has had a tradition of “resolving disputes through panchayats for centuries”, and the government has also enacted the Mediation Act to “formalise this informal system”.

Saying that the legal fraternity plays a significant role in the development of a country, he said the judiciary and the Bar have been the “guardians of the legal system” in India.

Modi said the lawyers’ conference was taking place at a time when India has witnessed several “historic decisions”, and cited the women’s reservation Bill passed by Parliament earlier this week, the G20 Summit which India hosted last month, and the successful Chandrayaan landing on the Moon.

He said that while India is “brimming with confidence from these achievements”, it needs a “strong, impartial and independent judicial system as its foundation” to work towards its goal of a developed country by 2047.

Pointing out the participation of delegates from the Commonwealth and African countries, he said the conference symbolised India’s sentiment of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family).

Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Attorney General of India R Venkataramani, Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, Bar Council of India Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, and Lord Chancellor, UK, Alex Chalk were among those present on the occasion.