Prime Minister Narendra Modi has labeled the 21st century as the "Century of Asia," noting the continent's significant role in propelling world advancement.
Discussing India-China relationships, PM Modi underscored that robust relationships between the two countries are not only useful but indispensable for world peace and prosperity. PM Modi noted the profound cultural ties between India and China, likening their divergence to that between members of a family—natural but tolerable.
During an interview with US-based podcaster Lex Fridman, the Prime Minister emphasized that differences must not turn into conflicts and that dialogue must be the bedrock of diplomatic interaction. He pointed out that tensions along borders have relaxed, marking a move towards long-term peace. Although competition among nations is unavoidable, he emphasized that it must not result in enmity. Rather, the development of cooperation must be the way to enduring peace and economic development.
PM Modi reminded that the emergence of Asia in the 21st century is a moment of reckoning in world history, and cooperation among their nations is essential to realizing the full potential of the region. Recalling the border standoff of 2020, he conceded the strain it caused to India-China relations. But he added that recent news of talks with President Xi Jinping on the fringes of the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, helped "to bring things to normal" on the border.
Efforts are already being made to return to pre-2020 normal, and PM Modi was hopeful for the future of bilateral relations. He insisted that, being neighboring nations, India and China will always have differences, but these should not be resolved through discord but through dialogue. Open communication, he reiterated, was critical in building a stable and cooperative relationship that serves both countries well.
The Prime Minister also underlined the rich common heritage of India and China, referring to their ancient cultures and histories of cultural exchange. He drew attention to the fact that both countries have had a huge contribution to world progress throughout history, making reference to historical accounts that indicate India and China used to constitute half of the world's GDP.
This, he indicated, highlights the vast economic and cultural impact both countries have had—and continue to have—on the global stage.
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