Indian PM Narendra Modi has said a stable and peaceful relationship between India and China is not only important for the two neighbouring nations, but for the entire region and world.
“For India, the relationship with China is important and significant,” Modi told Newsweek.
“Stable and peaceful relations between India and China are important for not just our two countries but the entire region and world,” he said.
The relationship between India and China deteriorated in 2020 after clashes broke out between troops in Galwan Valley in the Ladakh region.
As many as 20 Indian soldiers were killed in the clashes.
The two countries were engaged in multiple rounds of diplomatic and high-level military talks to resolve the standoff.
However, no breakthrough was reached.
“I hope and believe that through positive and constructive bilateral engagement at the diplomatic and military levels, we will be able to restore and sustain peace and tranquility in our borders,” Modi said.
Modi comments on India-Pakistan relationship
Commenting on India-Pakistan relationship, the Indian PM, who is eyeing to return to power for a third straight term, said: “I have congratulated the Prime Minister of Pakistan on taking over office. India has always advocated for advancing peace, security and prosperity in our region in an atmosphere free from terror and violence. [In relation to the imprisonment of Imran Khan], I won’t comment on matters internal to Pakistan.”
Following the general polls in February, Pakistan recently elected Shehbaz Sharif as the PM for a second term.
Modi congratulated Sharif on his poll victory and posted on X earlier: “Congratulations to @CMShehbaz on being sworn in as the Prime Minister of Pakistan.”
India to vote in seven phases
India will vote in seven phases from April 19, to elect a new Lok Sabha (Lower House of the Indian Parliament).
The counting of votes will take place on June 4.
The election assumes significance as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government are trying to return to power for the third straight term, a rare incident in India’s political history.
In 2014, Modi led his saffron party to power by beating the Indian National Congress, a political outfit which sat in power for two straight terms under former PM Manmohan Singh.
Modi once again formed the government in 2019, marking his second straight term as the PM of the world’s most populated nation.