Friday, before his trip to Japan for the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that his country desires “normal and neighborly relations” with Pakistan.
He repeated India’s longstanding position that “the onus is on Islamabad to create an environment free of terrorism and hostility.”
Pakistan has rejected the Indian position and told India earlier this month, “Let’s not weaponize terrorism to score diplomatic points.”
Mr. Modi, in an interview with the Japanese publication Nikkei Asia, also mentioned the India-China standoff in eastern Ladakh. Stating, “Peace and tranquility in the border regions are necessary for normal bilateral relations with China.”
The future development of India-China relations can only be based on mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interests, he added, after stating that India is committed to protecting its sovereignty and dignity.
He noted that “normalizing” the relations would be advantageous for the region and the entire globe.
The prime minister, speaking about India’s economy, noted that it has been one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and emphasized that the country has progressed from having the tenth-largest economy in 2014 to having the fifth-largest economy in the world.
He added that the objective of his administration was to transform India into a developed nation within the next quarter-century.
Mr. Modi told the publication that India’s position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict is “unambiguous and consistent.”
“India stands resolutely on the side of peace and will continue to do so. In light of rising food, gasoline, and fertiliser prices, we are committed to helping people in need. We communicate with both Russia and Ukraine, he said.
“Cooperation and collaboration should define our times, not conflict,” he emphasized.
