India stands for respecting sovereignty, peaceful resolution of disputes: PM Modi on ‘China’s military expansion’

In the midst of China’s military expansion in the South and East China Seas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Saturday that India supports sovereignty, peaceful dispute resolution, and adherence to international law.

“India stands for respecting sovereignty, peaceful resolution of disputes, and adherence to international law,” PM Modi said in an interview with Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun during his visit to Hiroshima to attend the Group of Seven (G7) summit. PM Modi was responding to a question by the Japanese publication on how India plans to address China’s military expansion in the South China Sea and the East China Sea, and the rising tension in the Taiwan Strait to maintain international law and territorial integrity.

“India is committed to protecting its sovereignty and integrity while promoting peaceful resolution of maritime disputes based on international law,” prime minister Modi said.
He further said that India has successfully resolved land and maritime boundaries with Bangladesh, showcasing its approach.

Asked about the intensifying rivalries among major powers and how India plans to work with them to attain global peace and stability, PM Modi said: “The world faces challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, disruptions in supply chains, terrorism, and climate change, disproportionately affecting the developing world.”

“India prioritizes addressing these concerns and emphasizes human-centric development through collaboration with Japan and other partners. India aims to serve as a bridge between different voices, promoting a constructive agenda focused on achieving shared objectives for the betterment of humanity,” PM Modi said.

Prime Minister Modi, who also chairs the G20, emphasised his commitment to leading the international community in addressing the challenges of the “Global South,” which includes developing and emerging economies.

On the invitation of Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister Modi is in Japan from May 19 to 21 to attend the G7 Summit under the Japanese Presidency.

In an interview with a Japanese publication, PM Modi mentioned geopolitical tensions disrupting food and energy supply chains, emphasising the importance of collaboration with Japan and other like-minded countries in addressing developing countries’ core concerns.