Highlighting the paramount importance of the relationship with China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has underscored the urgency in addressing the prolonged situation on the borders to pave the way for normalcy in bilateral interactions. Stressing the significance of restoring peace and tranquility, PM Modi expressed optimism in achieving this through constructive engagement.
In an exclusive interview with Newsweek, PM Modi emphasized India's role as a democratic powerhouse and a key player in global economic growth, positioning it as a prime destination for those seeking to diversify their supply chains. Narendra Modi becomes the first PM after Indira Gandhi, to be on Newsweek cover.
India reiterated that the disruption of peace and tranquility in border areas with China disrupts the normalcy of bilateral relations. The military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) since May 2020 continues to pose challenges, despite ongoing efforts through meetings between senior commanders and the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India–China Border Affairs (WMCC).
PM Modi emphasized the broader significance of stable relations between India and China, not just for the two nations but for the entire region and the world at large. He expressed hope in resolving border issues through positive diplomatic and military engagement.
“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,” he 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 in our borders,” he added.
Responding to queries about China and the Quad, PM Modi clarified that the Quad is not aimed at any particular country but is a platform for like-minded nations to collaborate on common interests. He highlighted the Quad's commitment to fostering an open, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
“We are present in different combinations in different groups. Quad is not aimed against any country. Like many other international groupings, like SCO, BRICS and others, Quad is also a group of like-minded countries working on a shared positive agenda,” he said.
“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 added.
PM Modi reiterated India's readiness to compete globally in manufacturing high-quality goods at competitive costs. He cited India's conducive business environment, bolstered by transformative economic reforms such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST), corporate tax reductions, and reforms in labor laws and FDI norms.
India's policies promoting entrepreneurship, coupled with world-class infrastructure and skilled talent, have attracted major global manufacturing entities to set up operations in the country. PM Modi pointed out initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes across 14 sectors, further enhancing India's manufacturing capabilities and attractiveness as a global manufacturing hub.
“We have major global manufacturing entities setting up shops in India. We have initiated Production Linked Incentive schemes to strengthen manufacturing capabilities in India. These PLI schemes extend to 14 sectors such as electronics, solar modules, medical devices, automobiles, among others,” he said.
“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,” he added.
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