‘When India Speaks…’: PM Modi Says World Understands Seriousness Of His ‘Not An Era Of War’ Remark

Prime Minister Narendra Modi told members of the Indian diaspora at the packed Nassau Coliseum on Sunday that when India speaks on global platforms the world listens closely to what it has to say.

“Now when India speaks on a global platform, (the) world listens. When I said it is ‘not an era of war’, the world understood its seriousness,” PM Modi said, referring to his remarks that were made during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Uzbekistan two years ago in the backdrop of the war in Ukraine.

He said that India does not seek its dominance but wants to play a role in the prosperity of the world, while asserting that India’s role will be crucial in accelerating the global peace process.

The Prime Minister also said that India is now a first responder and helps nations facing crises at fast speeds. “Today, whenever there is a crisis anywhere in the world, India emerges as a first responder. During Covid, we sent vaccines and medicines to more than 150 countries. Whether there is an earthquake, cyclone or civil war somewhere… we are the first to reach with help,” PM Modi said.

He also told the gathering that India is now ‘a voice representing the Global South and the African Union’s inclusion in the G20 grouping is an example of India’s commitment to the causes of the Global South’.

Addressing thousands of Indian-Americans at the Modi&US event, he said India today has a foreign policy of maintaining equal closeness with all and not equal distance.

“The role of India would be crucial to accelerate the process of global growth, and India’s role will be crucial to accelerate global peace,” he said.

India’s goal is not to increase its global influence but to play a part in its prosperity.

Whether it is promoting yoga, lifestyle or the environment, it does not aspire for only a GDP-centric but a human-centric growth for all of you, he said, adding that India “does not want to seek its global dominance”.

India, he said, is not like fire. “We are like the sun which gives brightness,” the prime minister said.