PM Narendra Modi indirectly hits back at Pakistan-sponsored terror; urges China to advance help

NEW DELHI: Speaking from an international for a in the backdrop of one of world’s deadliest terror attacks Narendra Modi on Monday took the opportunity to indirectly hit back at Pakistan-sponsored terror and asserted that countries must be held accountable for “sanctuaries, support, arms and funds” to the terror groups.

The PM, also eloquently, suggested that neighbouring China must advance global and regional peace and stability amid Beijing’s aggressive policies that have unnerved nations in the ASEAN and beyond.
"In the flux and transition of our times, the most critical need in this region is to uphold and strengthen the rules and norms that must define our collective behavior. This is why we must all come together, in East Asia Summit and other forums, to build a cooperative and collaborative future, not on the strength of a few, but on the consent of all," the PM stated in an indirect reference to the South China Sea dispute and other maritime disputes that Beijing had unilaterally tried to resolve sidestepping consensus.

Calling for collective approach to maintain stability amid China's rise, Modi announced that India will work with countries in the region and beyond, including the United States and Russia, to "ensure that our commons - ocean, space and cyber – remain avenues of shared prosperity, not become new theatres of contests."

"India will lend its strength to keep the seas safe, secure and free for the benefit of all," Modi said of Indian policy which could be viewed seeking freedom of navigation in seas of East and Southeast Asia where China had made territorial claims. In back to back speeches on consecutive days on the issue of international terrorism from global platform Modi on Monday said, “Terrorism is one such major global challenge, and a force larger than individual groups. its shadow stretches across our societies and our nations, both in recruitment and choice of targets. It does not just take a toll of lives, but can derail economies.”

“The world must speak in one voice and act in unison. There will be political, legal, military and intelligence efforts. Nations must cooperate more with each other. Societies must reach out within and to each other. We must delink terrorism from religion, and assert the human values that define every faith,” Modi said at a packed house at the prestigious Singapore Lecture on his second leg of his visit to the region. Earlier Modi spoke of menace of terror at the East Asia Summit in Malaysia on Sunday.

As he also gave a snapshot of India’s Act East Policy and highlighted the cultural and economic linkages with China, the PM harped, “Just as China's rise has driven the global economy, the world looks to China to help advance global and regional peace and stability.” This could be viewed as an indirect reference to Beijing’s moves to dominate the larger Asia Pacific region.

He minced no words on relations with China when the PM said, “We have our unresolved issues, including our boundary question, but we have been able to keep our border region peaceful and stable. And, we have agreed to strengthen strategic communication and expand convergences. We explore shared economic opportunities while addressing common threats like terrorism.”

“India and China will engage constructively across the complexity of their relationship as two self-assured and confident nations, aware of their interests and responsibilities,” the PM felt.

From a new opening with Pacific Island Nations, Australia and Mongolia to more intense engagement with China, Japan, Korea and ASEAN members, the PM stated India has pursued our vision with purpose and vigour. Referring to the growing relations with Japan across sectors, Modi stated, “No nation has contributed so much to India’s modernization and progress Japan – cars, metros and industrial parks, for example. And, no partner is likely to play as big a role in India's transformation as Japan. We do more together now. We see this as a strategic partnership that is vital for securing a peaceful and stable Asia, Pacific and Indian Ocean Regions.”

With Korea and Australia, Modi pointed out, “relationships started with strong economic foundations, and have become strategic in content.”

Not to miss ASEAN he stated the region is the anchor of India’s Act East Policy. “With each ASEAN member, we have deepening political, security, defence and economic ties.” Referring to the host the PM noted that Singapore “is one of our most important partners in the world. It is a relationship that is as strategic as it is wide-ranging. We have comprehensive defence and security relations.”

Singapore is the biggest investment source and destination for India in the world; the world's most connected nation to India; the largest trading partner in Southeast Asia; and, a popular destination for tourists and students. “Now, as we build the India of our dreams, Singapore is already a major partner in that enterprise: world class human resources, smart cities, clean rivers, clean energy, or next generation sustainable infrastructure.”

Modi reached Singapore on Monday evening on his maiden bilateral trip to the city state for which he has lofty admirations and he paid tributes to Singapore’s founding father Lee Kuan Yew for shaping his own vision.