'We want India and China to compete in a healthy way': PM Modi on de-escalation efforts

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized that India and China should engage in a "healthy and natural" competition while ensuring that differences do not escalate into disputes. Speaking on India-China relations during the podcast with Lex Fridman, PM Modi highlighted the deep historical ties between the two nations and underscored the need for dialogue over discord.
"Our focus is to ensure that differences don’t turn into disputes. Instead of discord, we emphasize dialogue," PM Modi said, adding that the recent

border tensions

are being addressed to restore normalcy.

Addressing past conflicts, including the 2020 border standoff, PM Modi acknowledged the tensions but noted that his recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping has led to progress. "After my meeting with President Xi, we have seen a return to normalcy at the border. We are working to restore conditions to how they were before 2020," he said.

PM Modi also reflected on India and China’s historical role in global trade and cultural exchange, stating that both nations "have learned from each other for centuries" and were once economic powerhouses together. He stressed that "competition is not a bad thing, but it should never turn into conflict."

On the broader geopolitical landscape, Modi expressed concern over rising global tensions, including conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and US-China relations. He criticized the inefficacy of international organizations in preventing conflicts, stating, "Institutions like the UN are failing to fulfill their roles."
Calling for cooperation over expansionism, PM Modi urged nations to focus on a development-driven approach. "The world is interdependent and interconnected. No one can stand alone. The prudent choice for everyone is to let go of conflict and move toward cooperation," he said, hoping for a return to global stability.