In a speech that was short on specifics but big on ambition and lofty rhetoric, Modi hailed Asia as the future of the world economy, while stressing unity between the region’s powers amid global economic uncertainty.
“(We must) recognize that each of us can serve our interests better when we work together as equals in the larger good of all nations,” said Modi during his keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, an annual defense summit that draws security officials, academics and defense contractors from across the world.
Modi’s address marks the first time an Indian politician has been invited to open the annual summit and comes just months after he delivered the opening speech at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting at Davos in January.
“Solutions cannot be found behind walls of protection, but in embracing change,” said Modi. “What we seek is a level playing field for all. India stands for open and stable international trade regime.”
Underscoring his point, Modi argued that no nation can shape the world on its own. “It is a world that summons us to rise above divisions and competition to work together,” said Modi.
“We believe that our common prosperity and security require us to evolve, through dialogue, a common rules-based order for the region. And, it must equally apply to all individually as well as to the global commons,” he said.
Delicate balancing act
Modi is spending three days in the city-state following visits to Malaysia and Indonesia, a trip that analysts say is part of an effort to shore up ties with India’s neighbors as China seeks to expand its influence through its trillion dollar Belt and Road initiative.
“India shares geostrategic interests with the Southeast Asian countries,” said Bharat Karnad, a national security expert at the Center for Policy Research, a New Delhi-based think tank.
“He’s firming up India’s security relationships without conspicuously targeting China,” said Karnard.
China’s Belt and Road project is meant to economically link much of Asia, but some — including many in New Delhi — believe Beijing is using the investments to expand its soft power and influence across the continent.
“India-China cooperation is expanding. Trade is growing. And, we have displayed maturity and wisdom in managing issues and ensuring a peaceful border,” Modi said in his speech.
“I firmly believe that, Asia and the world will have a better future when India and China work together in trust and confidence.”
“India stands for a free, open, inclusive Indo-Pacific region, which embraces us all in a common pursuit of progress and prosperity. It includes all nations in this geography as also others beyond who have a stake in it,” Modi said.
“We should all be equally permitted to benefit from the use of common spaces on sea and in the air without discrimination. When we all agree to live by that code, our sea lanes will be pathways to prosperity and corridors to peace,” he said.
Foreign speech, domestic audience
With faltering poll numbers back home, Modi’s keynote speech in Singapore provided the prime minister with the ideal platform in which to address a domestic audience and bolster his standing among voters.
Addressing voters in India directly, Modi linked India’s global integration to domestic prosperity, promising to sustain the country’s economic growth rate of “7.5% to 8% per year” and transform India to “a New India by 2022.”
Source : Nbcnewyork
