Team Blitz India
PRIME Minister Narendra Modi has underscored the urgency of resolving the protracted border issue with China in order to restore normalcy in bilateral ties. In an interview with Newsweek magazine, PM Modi delved into the strained relationship with China, emanating from the military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, affirming, “For India, the relationship with China is important and significant.” “It is my belief that we need to urgently address the prolonged situation on our borders so that the abnormality in our bilateral interactions can be put behind us. Stable and peaceful relations between India and China are important for not just our two countries but the entire region and world,” he said. The PM further said, “I hope and believe that through positive and constructive bilateral engagement at the diplomatic and military levels, we will be able to restore and sustain peace and tranquility on our borders.”
Shared, positive agenda Regarding the Quad grouping, often seen as a strategic alliance aimed at balancing China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region, PM Modi said, “Quad is not aimed against any one country. Like many other international groupings, like Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), BRICS and others, Quad is also a group of likeminded countries working on a shared positive agenda.”
“The Indo-Pacific region is the engine of global trade, innovation, and growth and the security of the IndoPacific is important not only to the region but to the world. Through shared efforts and implementation of development projects in the Indo-Pacific in the areas of climate action, disaster management, strategic technologies, reliable supply chain, health security, maritime security, and counterterrorism, the Quad countries are demonstrating their vision of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific,” he elaborated.
Supply chain hub Addressing the notion of competition with China, PM Modi remarked, “India, as a democratic polity and global economic growth engine, is a natural choice for those looking to diversify their supply chains.”
“Given our strengths, India is now globally considered most suited for manufacturing world-class goods at competitive cost. Apart from producing for the world, the vast Indian domestic market is an added attraction. India is a perfect destination for those who want to set up trusted and resilient supply chains,” he asserted.