New Delhi: “There is an unprecedented trust between the leaders of the U.S. and India,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in an interview to The Wall Street Journal before he flew out to America Tuesday on his first-ever state visit.
He also said the ties between the two countries were stronger and deeper than ever.
Modi said India was moving to secure what he saw as its “rightful position in the world”. He said: “India deserves a much higher, deeper and wider profile and a role… We do not see India as supplanting any country. We see this process as India gaining its rightful position in the world.
The Prime Minister also urged for an overhaul of global institutions like the United Nations to make them more broadly representative in a multipolar world order. He said there has to be fresh evaluation of the current membership of the (UN Security) Council and that “the world should be asked if it wants India to be there”.
On the Russia-Ukraine war, Modi said all countries should respect international law and the sovereignty of countries. “Disputes should be resolved with ‘diplomacy and dialogue’, not war… Some people say that we are neutral. But we are not neutral. We are on the side of peace… The world has full confidence that India’s topmost priority is peace,” he said in the interview.
India, he said, would do whatever it could and supported “all genuine efforts to bring an end to the conflict and ensure enduring peace and stability”.
“I am the first prime minister to be born in free India. And that’s why my thought process, my conduct, what I say and do, is inspired and influenced by my country’s attributes and traditions. I derive my strength from it,” Modi told the interviewer, adding, “I present my country to the world as my country is, and myself, as I am.”
He also responded to questions on China, saying for normal bilateral ties, peace and tranquility in the border areas was essential. “We have a core belief in respecting sovereignty & territorial integrity, observing the rule of law and peaceful resolution of differences and disputes. At the same time, India is fully prepared and committed to protect its sovereignty and dignity,” he said.
Modi will be in New York and Washington D.C. from 21 to 23 June on the invitation of US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.
Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra called it a milestone in India-US relations Monday as he highlighted its key components.
Kwatra said there was a “genuine and widespread deep interest in the United States surrounding it”, adding the itinerary would be “very rich in both form and substance”.
“An important element of the visit will be discussions on bilateral relationships… the line of effort, the objectives we have set for ourselves in terms of looking at the next series of transformative agenda items in years ahead. In that, the effort would also be to build a network in which these new domains of partnership would be properly positioned,” the foreign secretary said.
Modi’s visit will begin on 21 June in New York where he will lead celebrations of the International Day of Yoga at the United Nations headquarters.
Modi will then travel to Washington D.C., where he will receive a ceremonial welcome at the White House on 22 June, and meet President Biden to continue their high-level dialogue.
President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will host a State Dinner in honour of the Prime Minister the same evening.
Also on 22 June, Modi will address a Joint Sitting of the US Congress at the invitation of US Congressional leaders, including Speaker of the House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy and Speaker of the Senate Charles Schumer.
On 23 June, the Prime Minister will be jointly hosted at a luncheon by US Vice President Kamala Harris and State Secretary Antony Bilnken.
In addition to official engagements, the Prime Minister is also scheduled to have curated interactions with leading CEOs and professionals. He will also meet members of the Indian diaspora.
The Prime Minister will then visit Egypt from 24 to 25 June. “The visit is at the invitation of H.E. Mr. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of Egypt, which he extended to the Prime Minister in January 2023 when he graced our Republic Day celebrations as the ‘Chief Guest’. This will be the Prime Minister’s first visit to Egypt,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.
Also read: No widespread criticism of India’s stance on Russia, Modi tells Wall Street Journal