Highlighting the significance for stable and peaceful relations between India and China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has underscored the urgent need to address the prolonged border situation. Speaking exclusively to Newsweek magazine, PM Modi emphasized the significance of resolving the ongoing tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, characterizing it as crucial for restoring normalcy in bilateral interactions.
PM Modi stated, “For India, the relationship with China is important and significant.” He stressed the importance of stable and peaceful relations not only for both countries but also for the wider region and the globe. The Prime Minister expressed optimism in the potential for positive and constructive engagement at both diplomatic and military levels to restore and sustain peace and tranquility along the borders.
Addressing concerns about the Quad grouping, which is seen as a counterbalance to China in the Indo-Pacific region, PM Modi clarified that it is not targeted against any specific country. He likened it to other international groupings such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and BRICS, emphasizing its focus on shared positive agendas.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region, PM Modi underscored the collective efforts of Quad countries in areas ranging from climate action to maritime security. He reiterated the vision of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific through shared development projects and cooperation.
Responding to questions about competition with China, PM Modi emphasized India’s strengths as a democratic polity and a global economic growth engine. He highlighted India’s suitability for manufacturing world-class goods at competitive costs, making it an attractive destination for setting up trusted and resilient supply chains.
The interview comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions between India and China since the Galwan Valley clashes in 2020, which resulted in casualties on both sides.
The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QSD), commonly known as the Quad, is a strategic security dialogue between Australia, India, Japan and the United States that is maintained by talks between member countries. The dialogue was initiated in 2007 by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, with the support of Australian Prime Minister John Howard, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and US Vice President Dick Cheney. The dialogue was paralleled by joint military exercises of an unprecedented scale, titled Exercise Malabar. The diplomatic and military arrangement was widely viewed as a response to increased Chinese economic and military power.