PM Modi's Interview With Wall Street Journal: Top Quotes

Before leaving for the United States, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave an interview to the US-based Wall Street Journal where he spoke about wide range of topics.

From India's relationship with the United States to India's stance on Russia in the Ukraine conflict and from the UNSC membership to ties with China, the Indian Prime Minister spoke about many issues.

Here are some top quotes from his interview:

• 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. I present my country to the world as my country is, and myself, as I am.
• For normal bilateral ties with China, peace and tranquillity in the border areas are essential. 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.
• There is an unprecedented trust between the leaders of the U.S. and India. India deserves a much higher, deeper and wider profile and a role. The growing defence cooperation between the two countries is an important pillar of our partnership which also extends to trade, technology and energy.
• We have a core belief in respecting sovereignty and 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.
• India will do whatever it can and supports all genuine efforts to bring an end to the conflict and ensure enduring peace and stability.
• There has to be an evaluation of the current membership of the council and the world should be asked if it wants India to be there.
• We do not see India as supplanting any country. We see this process as India gaining its rightful position in the world. The world today is more interconnected and interdependent than ever before. To create resilience, there should be more diversification in supply chains.