At G7 summit in Japan, PM Modi’s sharp take on China’s aggression in Indo-Pacific

NEW DELHI,MAY 20 : Amid China’s military expansion in the South China Sea and the East China Sea, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India is committed to protecting its sovereignty and integrity while promoting peaceful resolution of maritime disputes based on international law.

In an interview with a Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun, PM Modi was asked how India will address China’s burgeoning military aggression in the Indo-Pacific region, and the rising tension in the Taiwan Strait. He replied, “India stands for respecting sovereignty, peaceful resolution of disputes and adherence to international law.”

PM Modi unveils Mahatma Gandhi bust, meets Indian diaspora in Hiroshima

PM Modi arrived in Japan on Friday for the G7 summit. While unveiling a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in the Japanese city Hiroshima, site of the world’s first nuclear attack, PM Modi said the use of weapons of mass destruction is absolutely unacceptable.

The Gandhian ideals of peace and harmony reverberate globally and give strength to millions, said the PM after unveiling Gandhi’s statue.

In an interview with the Japanese daily, PM Modi made it clear that he would not accept the use of nuclear weapons, saying, “the use of weapons of mass destruction is absolutely unacceptable.” He indicated that he was ready to work with all countries towards the “world without nuclear weapons” proposed by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

PM Modi in Japan today for G7 summit, likely to speak on energy & food security | Top points

Asked about his view on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and how India responds to negative reactions regarding its abstention from voting on UN resolutions and increased oil imports from Russia, Modi said India advocates for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve disputes and prioritise the well-being of people affected by rising costs of essentials.

“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.

-The New Indian Express