‘Some Say We’re Neutral, But We Aren’t’: What PM Said on War, China | Quotes from WSJ Interview

Before his first official visit to the US, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave an interview to The Wall Street Journal, where he talked about peace, war and India’s relations with China.

Prime Minister Modi said that some people say that “India is neutral” when it comes to the strained relations of some countries, and commenting on the notion, the PM said, “We are not neutral.”

He added that for normal relations with China, peace and tranquility in the border areas is essential. Prime Minister Modi said, “India is fully prepared and committed to safeguarding its sovereignty and dignity.”

Here are the top quotes from PM Modi’s interview

• “All countries must respect international law and state sovereignty. Disagreements must be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue, not war. Some people say we are neutral. But we are not neutral. We are on the side of peace… The world has full confidence that peace is India’s top priority.”

• Modi said that he spoke several times to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

• He said he recently spoke with Zelensky on the sidelines of the G-7 summit in Japan in May. He said that “India will do everything in its power” and support “all genuine efforts to end the conflict and ensure lasting peace and stability”.

• “For normal bilateral relations with China, peace and tranquility in the border areas is essential. We have a fundamental belief in respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity, respecting the rule of law and peaceful resolution of disputes and disputes. At the same time, India is fully ready and committed to safeguarding its sovereignty and dignity.”

• He said that the relations between New Delhi and Washington are stronger and deeper than ever before.

• While talking about global politics, PM Modi also said, “India deserves a higher, deeper and broader status and role.”

• On India’s desire to be part of the UN Security Council, the Prime Minister referred to the country’s role as a troop contributor to peacekeeping operations around the world. He said there should be an assessment of the current membership of the council and the world should be asked if it wants India to be there.

• Modi said that global institutions such as the United Nations must change. He said, “Look at the membership of the major institutions—do they really represent the voice of democratic values?” “A place like Africa – does it have a voice? India has a huge population and is a bright spot in the global economy but does it exist?”

• “Let me make it clear that we do not see India replacing any country. We see this process as India gaining its rightful place in the world,” Modi told the newspaper. The world today is more interdependent and interdependent than ever before. And to create resilience, there needs to be more diversity in supply chains.”

• Modi also noted that he is the first Prime Minister born in a free India. “That is why my thought process, my behaviour, what I say and do are inspired by the characteristics and traditions of my country. I draw my strength from that,” the Prime Minister said.

(with input from PTI)