Democratic spirit, including respect for rule of law and pluralistic ethos, is ingrained in Indians, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. Modi also highlighted the role technology firms can play in preserving democratic societies as he addressed a virtual summit, dubbed the ‘Summit for Democracy’ on Thursday, saying technology has the ability to impact democracy “positively or negatively.” Over a hundred countries are attending the summit hosted by US President Joe Biden. PM Modi outlined sensitivity, accountability, participation and reform orientation as four pillars of Indian democratic governance, sources said.

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He emphasised principles of democracy should guide global governance and highlighted India’s civilisational ethos as one of the original sources of democracy.

The Indian expatriates carry it too, thereby contributing to the economic well-being and social harmony of their adopted homes.

PM Modi recalled that exactly on this date 75 years ago, India’s Constituent Assembly had held its first session.

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Modi emphasised the need for democratic countries to deliver on values enshrined in their constitutions, the sources said.

“He stressed that principles of democracy should also guide global governance; and that given technology’s ability to impact democracy positively or negatively, technology companies should contribute to preserving open and democratic societies,” said a source.

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An initiative of Biden, the summit hosted by the White House was attended by leaders from more than 80 countries

As a special gesture, PM Modi was invited to participate in the main “Leaders’ Plenary Session”, with the closed-door session seeing interventions from 12 select countries, including India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the virtual summit on Friday.

Asserting that protecting democratic norms and values is the challenge of the current times, US President Joe Biden, in a virtual address to world leaders on Thursday, announced an ambitious Presidential Initiative for Democratic Renewal, under which his administration is planning to provide up to USD 424.4 million on a global democratic renewal strategy.

(With PTI inputs)