Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Saturday that India is determined to defending its sovereignty and integrity while pursuing peaceful resolution of maritime issues based on international law in response to China’s military expansion in the South China Sea and the East China Sea.
While in Hiroshima for the G7 meeting, Modi spoke in an interview with the Japanese daily Yomiuri Shimbun about the importance of both the G7 and G20 summits as venues for international 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,” Modi said.
He claimed that the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between India and Japan provides a solid framework for the two nations’ collaborative efforts, advancing international collaboration on these challenges.
When asked about his opinion on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, how India responds to criticism over its refusal to vote on UN resolutions, and its increased reliance on Russian oil, Modi said that his country supports dialogue and diplomacy as a means of resolving differences and placing a priority on the welfare of those affected by rising prices for basic necessities.
“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.
While asking what it will do to uphold international law and territorial integrity in the face of China’s military expansion in the South and East China Seas and the escalating conflict in the Taiwan Strait, 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.”
Modi further said that India has successfully resolved land and maritime boundaries with Bangladesh, showcasing its approach.
In furtherance, when asked about his views on the increasing rivalries among major powers and how India will work with them to attain global peace and stability, the prime minister said the world faces challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, disruptions in supply chains, terrorism, and climate change, disproportionately affecting the developing world.
Through cooperation with Japan and other partners, India prioritises tackling these issues and places a strong emphasis on human-centric development, he continued.
In order to promote a positive agenda centred on attaining shared goals for the development of humanity, India hopes to act as a bridge between various voices, he said.
