Peace on China border essential for normal ties: PM Modi before G7 Summit in Hiroshima

Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Hiroshima, Japan on Friday to attend the G7 summit. The Prime Minister also attend the Quad leader's third face-to-face meeting in the city. PM Modi is in the country at the invitation of Japanese President Fumio Kishida.

During the Quad Summit, leaders will exchange views on global challenges and ways to address them. The PM is on a tri-national tour to Japan, Papua New Guinea and Australia. He has over 40 engagements planned for the tour.

Before leaving India, the Prime Minister said, “I look forward to exchanging views with the G7 countries and other invited partners on the challenges facing the world and the need to address them together. I will also hold a bilateral meeting with some of the leaders attending the G7 summit in Hiroshima.

During the interview with the media, the prime minister also touched on the issue of the border with China. He said, "India is fully prepared and determined to protect its sovereignty and dignity." He also stressed that only if there is peace and tranquility on the borders can there be normal bilateral relations with China.

When asked about the Russo-Ukraine war, the Prime Minister said that India is on the side of peace. "India is on the side of peace and we will be there firmly," he said. The Prime Minister informed that India maintains communication with both Russia and Ukraine.

India is the chairperson of the G20 grouping and therefore the Prime Minister's participation in the G7 summit assumes all the more significance, a statement issued by the PMO said.

The prime minister is also set to hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders during his visit. He may meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Japan, the United States of America, Great Britain, France, Germany, Canada and Italy, as well as the European Union, are part of the G7 group of countries. The Prime Minister will also attend the Forum on India-Pacific Cooperation (FIPIC) on May 22 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.