Virendra Pandit
New Delhi: Amid growing demands to expand the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) by including India (besides Brazil, Germany, Japan, and South Africa) as Permanent Member, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that given New Delhi’s role in global peacekeeping and its economic prowess, the “world should be asked if it wants India to be in the key institutions.”
Pointing to India’s role as a contributor to peacekeeping missions around the world, PM Modi, in an email interview with The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), said:
“Look at the membership of key institutions-does it truly represents the voice of democratic values? Does a place like Africa have a voice? India has such a huge population and is a bright spot in the global economy, but is it present?”
PM Modi said the failure of these institutions to deal with problems like terrorism, proxy wars, and expansionism has led to the emergence of several smaller, regional groupings.
Ahead of his first State Visit to the USA, for which he left New Delhi on Tuesday morning, PM Modi said India deserves a “much higher, deeper and wider profile and a role.”
About bilateral ties with America, he said there is an “unprecedented trust” between the US and India, and the defense cooperation between the two countries is an “important pillar” of the partnership.
During his visit, PM Modi is expected to sign a multi-billion dollar deal to manufacture jet engines in India to power advanced light combat aircraft, and the purchase of Predator drones from the US.
These drones would enhance India’s surveillance over the Indian Ocean and along the India-China border in the Himalayas where the two countries clashed in 2020.
PM Modi asserted that “peace and tranquility” in the border areas are essential for normal bilateral ties with China. He, however, added, “India is fully prepared and committed to protect its sovereignty and dignity.”
On India continuing to maintain close ties with Russia even after it invaded Ukraine in 2022, he said New Delhi is “on the side of peace.” Disputes should be resolved with “diplomacy and dialogue”, and not war.
When asked about critical comments in the US for India not taking a more forceful stance against Russia, PM Modi said: “I don’t think this type of perception is widespread in the US. I think India’s position is well-known and well-understood in the entire world. 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 top-most priority is peace.”
About economic affairs, he said “We do not see India as supplanting any country. We see the process as India gaining its rightful position in the world. The world today is more interconnected and interdependent than ever before.”
Asked about the US, PM Modi said the ties between New Delhi and Washington are stronger and deeper than ever in the current global situation. To create resilience, there should be more diversification in supply chains.
Recently, PM Modi, who left for his US visit on Tuesday, had said that his tour is likely to give a boost to the Indo-US technology partnership. Especially on the establishment of a new semiconductor supply chain, where major announcements are expected.
India and the US have already signed an initial pact in March on increasing private-sector cooperation in the area of semiconductors under which the two countries would facilitate business opportunities and develop an ecosystem.
The pact is aimed to build closer cooperation between private industry and scientific institutions of both countries in the areas of Artificial Intelligence and quantum computing, advanced materials, defense, semiconductors, next-generation telecommunications, biotech, and space.
Some of the major announcements expected during this visit are US approval for General Electric to manufacture engines in India for its domestically produced fighter jets, India’s purchase of 31 armed MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones made by General Atomics worth USD 3 billion, and the removal of US obstacles that prevent smoother trade in defense and high technology.