World Listens When India Speaks of Peace: PM Modi
-, Mar 16, 2025, news on air17
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stressed that India is not neutral but firmly committed to peace. He emphasised that the world listens whenever India speaks of peace because it is the land of Gautam Budhha and Mahatma Gandhi. In a podcast with Lex Fridman, Mr Modi said Indians espouse harmony and stand for peace. Replying to a question on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Mr Modi stressed that resolution to the conflict will come only when both nations come to the negotiating table. He said Ukraine may hold countless discussions with their allies but it will bear no fruit unless both parties are included in the discussions. He also added that the current situation provides an opportunity for meaningful and productive talks between Russia and Ukraine.
On India-China relations, Mr Modi said both nations have ancient cultures and civilisations and the relationship between the two countries is not new. He pointed out that together, India and China have contributed to the global good in some way. He added that there is no real history of conflict between India and China in earlier centuries. He opined that strong relations between India and China should continue in the future. Prime Minister Modi noted that differences do exists between neighbouring countries and occasional disagreements are bound to happen. He said the focus is to ensure that difference do not turn to disputes. He underlined that a stable and cooperative relationship can only be built if the focus is on dialogue and not discord.
Replying to a question on Pakistan, Prime Minister said Pakistan chose not to foster a harmonious coexistence after Partition and chose to wage a proxy war against India. He questioned what ideology thrives on bloodshed and the export of terror. Mr Modi highlighted that India is not the sole victims of this menace. He noted that the trail somehow leads to Pakistan whenever there is a terror incident across the world. Prime Minister cited the example of Osama Bin Laden who had taken refuge in the neighbouring country. He stressed that India has continuously urged Pakistan to abandon the path of state sponsored terrorism for good.
On US President Donald Trump calling him a tough negotiator, Mr Modi stated that it is President Trump’s magnanimity to call him a tough negotiator and appreciating him on various platforms. He pointed out that for Mr Trump, it is America first, and for him, it is always Bharat first. Prime Minister said that he stands firm with India’s interest on top on all platforms, without intending any harm to others.
Prime Minister Modi said that he came to politics only to serve the people and he never bothered about power. In the podcast, Mr Modi said rather than seeking power, he is focused on productivity. The Prime Minister elaborated that trust is the cornerstone of his governance model. He said his governance is rooted in the people and not the polls. He highlighted that his government is committed to the well being of Indian citizens and greater good of the nation. He also expressed pride at belonging to one of the largest political parties of the world.
Mr Modi stated that there were 980 million registered voters for the 2024 General elections, which is twice the entire population of North America. He highlighted that over one million polling booths were set up for conducting the polls. He informed that there are 2500 political parties in India and more than 900 round the clock news channels. Mr Modi emphasised that all of these play a role in upholding democracy in their own way. He also added that India’s Election Commission has set a global benchmark for conducting free and fair elections.