Prior to departing for the United States, Prime Minister Modi spoke with the Wall Street Journal about a variety of subjects, including India’s foreign policy and its ongoing efforts to build a modern, sustainable economy.
The following are the key quotes from PM Modi’s most recent interview with the newspaper:
- I am the first prime minister to be born in free India, “And that’s why my thought process, my conduct, what I say and do, is inspired and influenced by my country’s attributes and traditions. I derive my strength from it.”
- “India deserves a much higher, deeper and wider profile and a role,”
- I present my country to the world as my country is, and myself, as I am.
- There is an unprecedented trust between the leaders of the U.S. and India. India deserves a much higher, deeper and wider profile and a role. The growing defence cooperation between two countries is an important pillar of our partnership which also extends to trade, technology and energy.
- “For thousands of years, India has been the land where people of all faiths and beliefs have found the freedom to coexist peacefully and prosper,”
- “You will find people of every faith in the world living in harmony in India.”
- “Let me be clear that we do not see India as supplanting any country. We see this process as India gaining its rightful position in the world,”.
- “The world today is more interconnected and interdependent than ever before. To create resilience, there should be more diversification in supply chains.
- For normal bilateral ties with China, peace and tranquility in the border areas is essential. All countries should respect international law and the sovereignty of countries. Disputes should be resolved with “diplomacy and dialogue,” not war.
- We have a core belief in respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity, observing the rule of law and peaceful resolution of differences and disputes. At the same time, India is fully prepared and committed to protect its sovereignty and dignity.
- Some people say that we are neutral. But we are not neutral. We are on the side of peace. The world has full confidence that India’s topmost priority is peace.
- India will do whatever it can” and supports “all genuine efforts to bring an end to the conflict and ensure enduring peace and stability.
- There has to be an evaluation of the current membership” of the council “and the world should be asked if it wants India to be there.
- “Look at the membership of key institutions—does it truly represent the voice of democratic values? A place like Africa—does it have a voice? India has such a huge population and is a bright spot in the global economy, but is it present?”
