New Delhi:

Prime Minister Modi said that stable and peaceful relations between India and China are important to the entire region and the world, and he hoped that the two countries can restore and maintain peace and tranquility on the border through active and constructive bilateral contacts. diplomatic and military dimensions.

Interviewed by US Newsweek magazinePrime Minister Modi said that relations with China are very important and significant to India.

“I believe that we need to urgently resolve the long-term situation on the border between our two countries in order to get rid of the irregularities in bilateral interactions. Stable and peaceful relations between India and China are important not only for our two countries, but for the entire world.” region and the world,” he said.

“I hope and believe that through active and constructive bilateral engagement at the diplomatic and military levels, we will be able to restore and maintain peace and tranquility on our borders,” he said.

In a wide-ranging interview with New York magazine, the Prime Minister spoke about a range of issues including the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, relations with Pakistan, the Quad, Ram Temple and democracy.

When asked about relations with Pakistan, the Prime Minister said he congratulated the Pakistani foreign minister on assuming office and asserted that India has always stood for promoting peace, security and prosperity in the region in an atmosphere free from terror and violence.

Regarding the imprisonment of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, Modi said, “I will not comment on Pakistan’s internal affairs.” When talking about China and the Quad group, he said that the United States, Australia, Japan, India and China are members of many groups.

“We are present in different organizations in different combinations. The Quad is not targeted at any country. Like the SCO, BRICS and many other international organizations, the Quad is a group of like-minded countries working towards a common positive agenda , ” He said.

The Quad includes India, the United States, Australia and Japan.

Addressing criticism of the abolition of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, Prime Minister Modi said: “I encourage you to visit Jammu and Kashmir and see for yourself the overall positive changes taking place there. Don’t believe what I or anyone else tells you. I “I just went to Jammu and Kashmir last month. For the first time, people had new hope in life. The process of development, good governance and people empowerment is witnessed,” he said.

“People are reaping the dividends of peace: more than 21 million tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir in 2023. Terror incidents have reduced significantly. Organized bandh/hartals (protests), stone pelting etc. that were once disruptive to normal life have now become A phenomenon passes,” he said.

On the importance of the newly completed Rama temple in Ayodhya, he said that the name of Rama has been etched in the national consciousness of India.

“His (Lord Ram) life laid the contours of ideas and values ​​for our civilization. His name echoes in our sacred land. So, during the special 11-day rituals that I observed, I went on a pilgrimage “These places have the footprints of Shri Ram. The journey that took me to every corner of the country shows the revered place Shri Ram holds within each of us,” he said.

“Shri Ram’s return to his birthplace marks a historic moment of national unity. It is the culmination of centuries of perseverance and sacrifice. When I was invited to attend the ceremony, I knew I would be representing the 1.4 billion people of this country for Centuries have been patiently waiting to witness the return of Ram Lalla,” he said.

“In the 11 days leading up to this auspicious day, I am eagerly awaiting it with the wishes of countless devotees. The ceremony itself brings the entire country together to celebrate together, just like the second Diwali . Every home is illuminated by the light of Ram Jyoti. I think it is a divine blessing to be able to participate in the consecration ceremony as a representative of 1.4 billion Indians.”

Ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his government has a good record of delivering on its promises.

“By the end of the second term, even the most popular governments start to lose support. Dissatisfaction with governments has also increased in the past few years around the world. India is an exception where popular support for our government is increasing,” he assertion.

He praised India as the “mother of democracy” and said that as the world’s largest democracy, more than 600 million people voted in the 2019 general election, and in the next few months, more than 970 million eligible voters will exercise their right to vote.

“More than 1 million polling stations will be set up across India. Rising voter participation is an important testament to people’s faith in Indian democracy. A democracy like India can move forward and function only if there is a vibrant feedback mechanism .And our media plays an important role in this. We have about 150,000 (150,000) registered media publications and hundreds of news channels,” he said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)