Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Hiroshima, Japan for the G7 Summit 2023. During an interview with Nikkei Asia, he discussed a variety of issues, including the Ukraine war, tensions with China and Pakistan, and the upcoming Quad summit. PM Modi emphasized India’s role as a reliable partner in addressing global challenges and stated that India’s experience would “resonate strongly” at the meeting.
On the topic of Pakistan, PM Modi said that India wants normal and neighborly relations but that it is up to Pakistan to create a conducive environment free from terrorism. Regarding China, PM Modi stated that India is fully prepared and committed to protecting its sovereignty and dignity, emphasizing the rule of law and peaceful resolution of disputes. He added that peace and tranquility in the Indo-China border are necessary for normal ties with Beijing.
PM Modi also spoke about India’s participation in both the Quad and the SCO, stating that they are not contradictory or mutually exclusive for India. He emphasized the importance of fostering a free, open, prosperous, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region while maintaining communication with both Russia and Ukraine.
Regarding UN reform and India’s permanent seat in the Security Council, PM Modi argued that the credibility of UNSC and its decision-making process will always be questioned if it continues to deny representation to the world’s largest democracy and other African and Latin American countries. He also highlighted India’s economy as one of the world’s fastest-growing, rising from being the tenth largest economy in 2014 to now being the fifth largest economy.
