NEW DELHI, Sep 21:
Describing the relations between India and the United States as being bound by history and culture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressed confidence that India and the US can develop a genuine Strategic alliance in the years to come.
In an interview to CNN, Mr Modi said, “there are many similarities between US and India. Despite the friction, we are bound together by history. Indians and Americans have co-existence in their natural temperament. US has absorbed people from around the world and there is an Indian in every part of the world. There have been ups and downs in the Indo-US relationship in the last century but from the end of the 20th century to the first decade of 21st century, we have witnessed a big change. Our ties have deepened. I am confident that the two countries can develop a genuine strategic alliance.” The Prime Minister said relations between India and America should not be seen within the limits of just Delhi and Washington.
“It is a much larger sphere. The good thing is the mood of both Delhi and Washington is in harmony with this understanding, both sides have played a role in this,” the Prime Minister said.
Refusing to be drawn into comparisons between India and China, Mr Modi, asserting that the current era belonged to Asia, said India was at par with China since the two countries were growing at a similar pace.
Recalling the days when India was called the ‘Golden Bird’, Mr Modi said, “India does not need to become China or anything else. India must become only India. This is a country that once upon a time was called the ‘Golden Bird’. We have fallen from where we were before. But now we have the chance to rise again.”
He said if one were to look at the details of the last five or 10 centuries, one would notice that India and China had grown at similar paces. Their contributions to global GDP had risen in parallel, and fallen in parallel.
“Today’s era once again belongs to Asia. India and China are both growing rapidly, together,” he said. When asked if India could match up to the GDP achieved by its neighbour, Mr Modi said he had great faith in the people of India and their talent.
“It is my absolute belief that Indians have unlimited talent. I have no doubt about our capabilities. I have a lot of faith in the entrepreneurial nature of our 1.25 billion people. There is a lot of capability. And I have a clear road map to channelise it,” he said.
In reply to a question about recent violations by China along the India-China border, the Prime Minister said, “We can’t close our eyes to problems. We are not living in the 18th century. However, we need to live on the basis of partnership between countries, must seek and offer help. We can’t be worried about every other thing.”
Expressing confidence of achieving a resolution on the issue with China, Mr Modi said, “China must not live in isolation, it must engage with neighbours. We should have faith that China will accept global laws.”
Asked whether having a Democracy was a hindrance in economic development in India, Mr Modi said, “Democracy is our great legacy. It is in our DNA. It is a ‘legacy’ we cannot ‘compromise’.
We have seen the strength of Democracy. If there was no Democracy, a person like me who was born in a poor family could not have become the Prime Minister”.
In reply to another question on reports of Al Qaeda chief Al- Zawahiri having issued a video and an appeal trying to create a similar outfit in India, the Prime Minister asserted that the patriotism of Indian Muslims could not be questioned.
“My understanding is that they (Al Qaeda) are doing injustice towards the Muslims of our country. If anyone thinks Indian Muslims will dance to their tune, they are delusional. Indian Muslims will live for India, will die for India. Indian Muslims will not want anything bad for India,” the Prime Minister said. Describing ‘terrorism’ as a crisis against humanity, Mr Modi said, “Terrorism is a fight between humanity and inhumanity. If I can win the confidence of the people of India by my actions, we can take the country forward. Believers of humanity must unite.”
Expressing concern over the rising crimes against women in the country, Mr Modi said dignity of women was our collective responsibility and called for reviving family culture. “Dignity of women should be a collective responsibility,” Mr Modi said.
He said Girl child education is important for the empowerment and development of the country. (AGENCIES)
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