Respect territorial integrity: Modi’s message to China

At Brics meet, PM calls for focus on inclusive, rules-based maritime space

Participating in the virtual high-level dialogue on global development, informally known as the Brics plus discussion, signifying the engagement of the five Brics nations with guest countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday highlighted India’s “focus on a free, open, inclusive and rules-based maritime space, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations from the Indian Ocean region to the Pacific Ocean” and delivered a veiled but clear message to the host China.

According to a statement issued by New Delhi, the PM also emphasised India’s development partnership with Africa, Central Asia, South East Asia, and the Caribbean at the virtual event hosted by China a day after the 14th Brics Summit.

In the late-night statement, the MEA said, “On June 24, the Prime Minister highlighted India’s development partnership with Africa, Central Asia, South East Asia and

THE PM also emphasised India’s development partnership with Africa, Central Asia, South East Asia, and the Caribbean at the virtual event

from the Pacific to the Caribbean; India’s focus on a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based maritime space; respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations from the Indian Ocean Region to the Pacific Ocean; and reform of the multilateral system as large parts of Asia and all of Africa and Latin America have no voice in global decision-making. The Prime Minister noted the importance of the circular economy and invited citizens of participating countries to join the Lifestyle for Environment (LIFE) campaign.”

With Brics (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) looking at a possible expansion, which Russia and China are reportedly in favour of, the guest countries were Algeria, Argentina, Cambodia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Fiji, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Senegal, Uzbekistan, Malaysia, and Thailand.