PM Modi says want ‘normal and neighbourly ties’ with Pak, reiterates call for peace in Ukraine

Speaking with Japanese publication Nikkei Asia, PM Modi also highlighted the India-China standoff in eastern Ladakh, saying "Peace and tranquility in the border areas are essential for normal bilateral ties with China."

By: Express Web Desk

New Delhi | Updated: May 19, 2023 07:13 PM IST

2 min read

Prime Minister Narendra Modi being welcomed upon his arrival in Hiroshima, Japan, Friday, May 19, 2023. PM Modi will attend the G7 Summit 2023. (PTI Photo)

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ahead of his visit to Japan for the G7 summit in Hiroshima on Friday, noted that India wants “normal and neighbourly relations” with Pakistan and that the onus was on Islamabad to create a conducive environment free from terrorism and hostilities.

Speaking with Japanese publication Nikkei Asia, PM Modi also highlighted the India-China standoff in eastern Ladakh, saying “Peace and tranquility in the border areas are essential for normal bilateral ties with China.” Stating that “India is fully prepared and committed to protect its sovereignty and dignity,” the Prime Minister added that “the future development of India-China relationship can only be based on mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interests.” He further noted that “normalising” the ties would benefit the wider region and the world.

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PM Modi also stressed India’s respect for sovereignty, the rule of law, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

Speaking on India’s economy, PM Modi noted that it has been one of the world’s fastest-growing while pointing out that the country has moved from being the tenth-largest economy in 2014 to now being the fifth-largest globally. He added that his government’s aim was to transform India into a developed nation within the next 25 years.

On the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Modi told the publication that India’s position on the Ukraine conflict “is clear and unwavering.” “India stands on the side of peace and will remain firmly there. We are committed to supporting those who face challenges in meeting their basic needs, especially in the face of rising costs of food, fuel, and fertilizers. We maintain communication with both Russia and Ukraine,” he said.

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“Cooperation and collaboration should define our times, not conflict,” he stressed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a three-nation trip to Japan, Papua New Guinea, and Australia.

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