Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Japan on Friday for a two-day official visit, after which he will travel to China to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin. Before his much-anticipated visit to China, Modi gave an interview to Japanese newspaper The Yomiuri Shimbun, where he spoke extensively about India-China relations, their role in regional stability, and their significance for global peace and prosperity.
Modi’s Statement on India-China Relations
Prime Minister Modi emphasized that his upcoming visit to China represents the symbolic progress of bilateral ties between the two Asian giants. He highlighted that, amid rising global instability, it is vital for India and China to maintain a stable and strong relationship, particularly for the peace and security of the Indo-Pacific region.
Referring to his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping last year in Kazan, Modi stated that bilateral relations have since experienced steady and positive development. He underscored that his trip to Tianjin for the SCO Summit, at the invitation of President Xi, is a continuation of that momentum.
India and China’s Global Role
During the interview, Modi stressed that as two of the world’s largest nations, India and China share a responsibility to contribute positively to regional and global prosperity. He explained that harmonious relations between the two countries can have far-reaching implications for peace and stability, not just in Asia but globally.
Modi said, “As the world’s two largest countries, stable and cordial bilateral relations between India and China can positively influence regional and global peace and prosperity.”
The Need for Multipolar Asia and World
Prime Minister Modi also touched upon the current volatility in the global economy and international politics. He argued that for a multipolar Asia and a multipolar world, stable India-China relations are indispensable.
He pointed out that global economic uncertainty has created challenges for many nations, and in such times, the partnership between India and China—two major economies—could play a key role in ensuring balance and resilience in the world economic order.
Strategic Dialogue and Cooperation
Highlighting India’s approach, Modi affirmed that New Delhi is ready to advance bilateral ties with Beijing on the basis of mutual respect, shared interests, and sensitivity. He said that India is willing to engage in constructive dialogue to address challenges while adopting a long-term strategic vision.
“India is prepared to strengthen dialogue with China, build trust, and work towards solutions for challenges, ensuring that relations evolve with stability and foresight,” Modi explained.
Indo-Pacific Peace and Regional Security
Modi placed particular emphasis on the Indo-Pacific region, where rising tensions and security concerns have become global talking points. He underlined that maintaining peace in the Indo-Pacific requires India and China to cooperate rather than compete, as instability in this region could affect trade, supply chains, and global security.
He asserted that his China visit, following the Japan trip, highlights India’s commitment to balancing its relationships across Asia while promoting peace and development.
Upcoming SCO Summit in Tianjin
After completing his Japan visit, Modi will head to Tianjin to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit. The summit will bring together several world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Modi is expected to hold bilateral meetings with both leaders on the sidelines of the summit.
The SCO Summit will focus on regional security, counterterrorism efforts, trade cooperation, and strengthening ties among member nations. Modi’s participation underscores India’s growing engagement in multilateral platforms that aim to address shared challenges across Eurasia and Asia.
Japan Visit Before China
Before heading to China, Prime Minister Modi embarked on a two-day official visit to Japan, departing from Delhi on Thursday. The Japan visit is expected to further enhance India-Japan strategic ties, focusing on technology, defense, economic cooperation, and regional security. Modi’s meetings in Japan are seen as a significant step in India’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy.
By scheduling visits to both Japan and China consecutively, Modi is signaling India’s balanced approach towards maintaining strong ties with both countries, despite geopolitical tensions and challenges.
Balancing Relations with Global Powers
Analysts believe that Modi’s statement to the Japanese newspaper reflects India’s careful diplomacy in managing its relations with major powers like China and Russia, while also deepening partnerships with democratic allies like Japan and the United States.
With the world witnessing heightened conflicts, economic crises, and shifts in global power equations, India’s role as a stabilizing force has become more prominent. Modi’s emphasis on cooperation with China signals that New Delhi is not seeking confrontation but rather practical solutions through dialogue.
Challenges in India-China Relations
Despite Modi’s optimistic remarks, challenges remain in the India-China relationship. Border disputes, trade imbalances, and strategic differences in the Indo-Pacific continue to pose hurdles. However, Modi’s interview reflects India’s willingness to pursue a pragmatic approach by focusing on areas of convergence while addressing divergences through sustained dialogue.
Observers note that the SCO Summit could provide an opportunity for Modi and Xi to discuss outstanding issues directly and chart a path for cooperation in fields such as trade, climate change, and regional security.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks ahead of his China visit highlight the significance of stable India-China relations in an era of global instability. By underlining the need for cooperation, dialogue, and mutual respect, Modi has projected India’s readiness to work with China for regional peace and global economic stability.
As Modi attends the SCO Summit in Tianjin after his Japan trip, the international community will closely watch his interactions with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The outcomes could have a substantial impact not only on India-China relations but also on the broader geopolitical landscape of Asia and beyond.
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