International relations are based on mutual understanding and cooperation: Narendra Modi

The significance of international relations and the need to focus on a comprehensive policy that facilitates cooperation among countries was spoken off by Shri Narendra Modi during his recent interview given to the ANI.

On being questioned upon the ‘muscular foreign policy’ that the BJP is likely to have, Shri Modi had said, “I do not understand what this "muscular policy" means, and have never heard of such a word in international relations. International relations are based on mutual understanding and mutual cooperation, and I do not think that anywhere in the world, and especially in this 21^st century, ‘muscular politics’ can work. Be it within countries or in a democracy, muscular politics has no space. As far as India is concerned, we have the rich cultural heritage of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the whole world is one family – and we do not endorse such a view. I strongly feel that in the future only cooperation can work, wherein we work on humanitarian causes and take efforts to help the poor. The motto for everyone across the globe must be to unite against terrorism.”

On being questioned upon giving emphasis to the ‘Look East policy’, Shri Modi had said that ‘looking at the east’ did not mean ‘ignoring the West’. “The entire world has accepted that the 21^st century would be Asia’s century, and it is the duty of each and every country to have a pro-active policy towards the Eastern part of the world. It’s a fact that the future is with the countries in the Eastern part of the world. If I have a futuristic vision, it does not mean that I have to deny the West. How can I deny even the smallest country of the world? I feel that in the future the response towards India will be very high, globally.”

Shri Modi also spoke of the close relations he shared with the Singapore government, especially Mr. Goh Chok Tong, senior leader from Singapore, and cited how Singapore had partnered in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investor Summits. “Not only are we close to the people of Singapore, we are also very close to the officials and the government machinery of Singapore and I am sure that India and Singapore can do a lot of things together. If we want to do Urban development in our country, then Singapore can be a model for us,” said Shri Modi.