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At Shangri-La Dialogue, PM Modi bats for open trade, says solutions can't be found behind walls of protection

At Shangri-La Dialogue, PM Modi bats for open trade, says solutions can't be found behind walls of protection

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Amid growing tension over huge tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on Europe, Canada and Mexico, Prime Minister Naredra Modi today advocated for open trade and said that ‘solutions cannot be found behind walls of protection.’ 

PM Modi, who is in Singapore, delivered a keynote address at the 17th Shangri-La Dialogue on Friday.

The much awaited Dialogue started with renewed connection and emphasis on Indian and South East Asian connection. PM Modi said that the future resides in the East and the region can be shaped with collective hope. He said that Singapore is an example of great excellence. “When rule prevails and oceans are open, nations prosper and Singapore is an example of it,” he said.

“Lion nation and Lion city is united by common values and Singapore is gateway to East for us,” said PM Modi. He emphasised that in past three decades, the lost connection with the East has been reclaimed. The Prime Minister said that oceans played an important part in our thinking even in pre Vedic times. 

“Even in Puranas the geographical context of the country is in reference to the sea,” he said. He said that oceans carry 90 percent of the Indian trade and oceans have always played an important role in our region.

He acknowledged that the trade in the region is growing significantly. He said that our relationship with states around oceans is expanding with exceeding pace. “Global transit routes should remain peaceful and free for all,” he said. 

South East Asia is our neighbour by land and sea. PM Modi asserted that India’s role has increased in the ASEAN region. PM Modi emphasized that in all major grouping of nations of South East Asia, India is present,” he said. 

He described projects in detail where India is deeply involved, country by country ranging from Korea to Cambodia.

PM Modi also spoke about his bilateral meetings in Wuhan and Sochi.

He said that both he and Putin felt the need for a strong multi polar world. Through his speech, PM Modi continued to emphasize the need of stable Indo-Pacific region.

He said that India’s cooperation with China is expanding. “Two day meeting in Wuhan helped cement an understanding,” PM Modi said. “World will have a better future if India and China can work together,” he added.

PM Modi after mentioning China and Russia continued to emphasize India’s strong cultural relationship with South-East Asia.

He spoke about India’s deepening defence ties with South East Asian economies. “With Singapore we have the longest and uninterrupted naval exercise which has lasted for 25 years,” PM Modi said. He gave similar examples of close regional cooperation between India and other countries when it came to naval affairs and patrolling of the sea. He said that our presence will grow in the region and will grow on the bed rock of peace.

He admitted that there has been a disruption in global order. “Despite progress we live in the age of uncertainty, clashing vision and competing models,” he said. He also said that internal disturbances are acquiring ethnic fault lines. “It is an interdependent world and nations need to rise above the divisions and work together,” he said.

“I see ASEAN as an inspiration,” he said. He said that ASEAN’s unity is essential for this region to prosper. He said that ASEAN unity must be supported. “ASEAN lies at the heart of the new Indo Pacific,” PM Modi said. He said that ASEAN is required for a stable world and this entity is not against anyone.

PM Modi also renewed his faith in multilateral order and safe oceans for everyone. He also rued growing protectionism in goods and services. He continued to focus on rule based systems to ensure international stability in trade and commerce. PM Modi said that India is prepared to work with anyone to promote peace and trade.

He added that the great power rivalry must be avoided. He said that Asian cooperation will define the new century. “Differences should not be allowed to turn into disputes,” said PM Modi.

“Our roles will be inclusive. We are inheritors of Vedanta philosophy. The truth is one and learned speak in many ways. This is the way we engage the world. It is not dependent on the size of a country,” he said. He ended his speech on the note that by only working together, stability to the world order can be brought about.

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