Only dialogue can end conflict: Modi

PM’S MESSAGE Says ‘Asia’s oldest tradition’ of debate is needed to eradicate religious stereotypes and prejudices

NEWDELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored on Saturday the virtues of a dialogue to fight global challenges such as terrorism and climate change and to eradicate religious prejudices that cause conflicts across the world.

“I am a product of the ancient Indian tradition that firmly believes in dialogue on difficult issues,” he said in a video message to the second edition of SamvadGlobal Initiative on Conflict Avoidance and Environment Consciousness in Yangon.

His remarks came in the backdrop of India’s standoff with China along the Sikkim border and when religious tensions are being reported from across the country over cow slaughter.

“The ancient Indian concept of Tarka Shastra is founded on dialogue and debate as the model for exchange of views and avoidance of conflict,” he said.

Foreign minister Sushma Swaraj too had pitched for bilateral talks to defuse the India-China crisis. She said in Parliament on Thursday that war is not a solution and diplomacy can resolve problems.

The two Asian giants have a protracted border dispute and tension flared up in mid-June over Doklam in the Sikkim sector, located at a narrow but strategically important tri-junction of India, China and Bhutan.

Besides, irritants such as Beijing blocking India’s entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group and New Delhi boycotting president Xi Jinping’s signature one-road, one-belt initiative have also hit ties.

The ancient Indian concept of Tarka Shastra is founded on dialogue and debate as the model for views exchange and avoidance of conflict NARENDRA MODI, Prime Minister