Modi wants normal ties with Pakistan

India wants “normal and neighbourly relations” with Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in an interview with Nikkei Asia.

However, Modi reiterated India’s oft-repeated position on the issue, saying the “onus is on Islamabad to create a conducive environment free from terrorism and hostilities,” reports NDTV citing Nikkei Asia.

India has repeatedly raised its concern over Pakistan’s support to cross-border terrorism and has asserted that terror and talks cannot go together.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto had attended the SCO Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Goa earlier this month but there were no bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

Modi’s interview to Nikkei Asia, which is part of Nikkei, one of Asia’s largest independent business media groups, has come ahead of G7 Summit in Japan, happening at a time of increasing global challenges.

During the interview, the Prime Minister also answered queries related to ties with China and spoke about India’s efforts to amplify the voices and concerns of the Global South.

“India is fully prepared and committed to protect its sovereignty and dignity,” Modi said.

A standoff erupted with China in Eastern Ladakh in the summer of 2020 following actions of the Chinese army and while talks have led to disengagement from some areas, some friction points remain.

“Peace and tranquillity in the border areas are essential for normal bilateral ties with China. The future development of India-China relationship can only be based on mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interests,” Modi said, noting that normalizing the ties would benefit the wider region and the world.

Modi on Friday reached Hiroshima in Japan to attend the G7 Summit. India has been invited as a guest country for the Summit. India has been participating in the G7 Summit since 2003.

Asked whether India can play a mediator role in Russia-Ukraine conflict, Modi said his country’s position on the Ukraine conflict “is clear and unwavering.”

“India stands on the side of peace and will remain firmly there. We are committed to supporting those who face challenges in meeting their basic needs, especially in the face of rising costs of food, fuel, and fertilisers. We maintain communication with both Russia and Ukraine,” Modi said, adding that “cooperation and collaboration should define our times, not conflict”.