Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the urgent need for India and China to address their long-standing border disputes, which have strained bilateral relations. The border, spanning 3,440km (2,100 miles) through the Himalayas, has been a persistent source of tension between the two nations.
In a rare interview with Newsweek magazine, Modi acknowledged the issue, which has often faced criticism from opposition parties accusing him of silence regarding reported Chinese incursions along the border. Despite nearly 10 years in office, Modi has given few interviews to the press and has yet to hold a single news conference in India.
However, just before the start of India’s general election, Modi granted interviews to three news outlets: Thanthi TV and the Assam Tribune in India, and the American magazine Newsweek.
Portions of Indian territory
During his latest interview, Modi did not directly address the opposition’s claims that China had seized significant portions of Indian territory. Instead, he emphasized the significance of India’s relationship with China for the entire region and the world.
Modi stressed the importance of achieving peace and tranquility through positive and constructive diplomatic and military engagement. “I hope and believe that through such engagement, we can address the prolonged situation on our borders, moving past the abnormalities in our bilateral interactions,” he stated.
Discussing India’s competition with China as a manufacturing hub, Modi highlighted India’s appeal to global giants such as Apple, Boeing, and Tesla, who have shown interest in establishing manufacturing plants or increasing sourcing from the country.
“India, as a democratic polity and a driver of global economic growth, naturally attracts those seeking to diversify their supply chains,” Modi commented.
While both Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have refuted claims of Chinese capture of Indian territory, India’s main opposition party, Congress, argues that the government’s leniency complicates dealing with China’s “illegal encroachments.”
Tensions reached a peak in 2020 when Indian and Chinese troops clashed in the Galwan Valley battle, near the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh state. This marked the first fatal confrontation since 1975, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers.
