PM Modi on “China’s Military Expansion”: “India Stands for Respecting Sovereignty and Peaceful Resolution of Disputes”

GG News Bureau

Hiroshima, 20th May. Amid China’s military expansion in the South and East China Seas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Saturday that India is committed to protecting its sovereignty and integrity while encouraging peaceful resolution of maritime issues based on international law.

During his visit to Hiroshima for the G7 summit, Prime Minister Modi told the Japanese daily Yomiuri Shimbun that the G7 and G20 summits are critical platforms for global cooperation.

“As the G20 chair, I will represent the perspectives and priorities of the Global South at the G7 Summit in Hiroshima. Strengthening collaboration between the G7 and G20 is vital in addressing global challenges like climate change, supply chain disruptions, economic recovery, energy instability, healthcare, food security, and peace and security,” PM Modi said.

The Special Strategic and Global Partnership between India and Japan provides a strong foundation for the joint efforts of the two countries, contributing to global cooperation on these issues, he asserted.

When asked about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and how India responds to negative reactions about its abstention from voting on UN resolutions and increased Russian oil imports, PM Modi said India advocates for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve disputes and prioritize the well-being of people affected by rising costs of essentials.

“India abstained from UN General Assembly resolutions to condemn the invasion but remains committed to upholding the UN Charter, international law, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. India supports a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine crisis and is ready to contribute constructively within the UN and beyond,” the prime minister said.

Asked how India will address China’s military expansion in the South China Sea and the East China Sea, and the rising tension in the Taiwan Strait to maintain international law and territorial integrity, PM Modi said, “India stands for respecting sovereignty, peaceful resolution of disputes, and adherence to international law.” India is committed to protecting its sovereignty and integrity while promoting peaceful resolution of maritime disputes based on international law, he said.

Prime Minister Modi stated that India successfully resolved land and maritime boundaries with Bangladesh, showcasing its approach.

When asked about the intensifying rivalries among major powers and how India will work with them to achieve global peace and stability, the prime minister stated that the world faces challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions, terrorism, and climate change, which disproportionately affect the developing world.

India prioritises addressing these concerns and emphasises human-centric development through collaboration with Japan and other partners, PM Modi said.

India aims to serve as a bridge between different voices, promoting a constructive agenda focused on achieving shared objectives for the betterment of humanity, he said.