Is India's Global Standing Undeniable Under PM Modi's Leadership?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India's economy has grown significantly, now valued at over $4 trillion.
- PM Modi's leadership is praised internationally for its focus on security and diplomacy.
- Recent diplomatic communications reaffirm India's non-mediation stance.
- India is recognized as a rising superpower by global leaders.
- Protests against PM Modi in Canada raised concerns about youth involvement.
New Delhi, June 18 (NationPress) Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri responded to the latest international diplomatic events on Wednesday. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, asserting that India’s current standing and global stature under his governance is undeniable.
In an interview with IANS, the Union Minister emphasized India’s emergence as a $4 trillion economy and highlighted the international acclaim for PM Modi’s resolute approach towards security and diplomacy.
Interview excerpts:
IANS: What are your thoughts on the recent phone call between PM Modi and US President Donald Trump?
Hardeep Singh Puri: A planned meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump fell through as President Trump had to return to Washington, D.C. Instead, the two leaders engaged in a 35-minute phone discussion. Our Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, provided a detailed account of the conversation, clarifying that no mediation discussions occurred.
During a previous conversation, JD Vance mentioned that Pakistan might take aggressive steps, to which PM Modi replied that whatever actions Pakistan undertakes, our response will be significantly stronger. The events of Operation Sindoor, where nine of their terror facilities were dismantled, are now publicly available through commercial satellite imagery.
No trade or business matters were discussed during the call with Vice President Vance. Our stance remains clear: India does not endorse mediation on such issues, a position reaffirmed in PM Modi’s recent conversation with President Trump.
IANS: How crucial are these developments in demonstrating India’s global influence and exposing Pakistan?
Hardeep Singh Puri: The current global stature of our Prime Minister is indisputable. Our economy has surged from $2 trillion to over $4 trillion, moving from the 10th-11th position to 4th, and we are on track to become third. At the G7 Summit, the Prime Minister successfully garnered support against terrorism. Canada’s new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, showed interest in collaborating with India on AI and anti-terrorism efforts. This is a clear testament to India’s growing global prominence.
IANS: As India becomes the fourth-largest economy, is the world recognizing India as a rising superpower?
Hardeep Singh Puri: The economic metrics speak volumes. Growing from $2 trillion to $4 trillion with a growth rate of 6.5 percent indicates that our economy could reach $7-8 trillion soon. This growth will elevate economic activity and per capita income, enhancing our global standing.
IANS: On Operation Sindoor, Rahul Gandhi has criticized PM Modi for yielding to Trump’s influence. What are your thoughts on this?
Hardeep Singh Puri: Where is he now? He seems to be overseas. His remarks echo those of Pakistani media, and then he takes a vacation. This behavior is quite frequent.
IANS: In Canada, protests included children during demonstrations against PM Modi's visit. What’s your perspective on this?
Hardeep Singh Puri: Personally, it was disheartening. Our Sikh religion’s tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, founded the Khalsa to safeguard faith. PM Modi has done more for the Sikh community than any other Prime Minister before him. The images of children involved in the protests showed a lack of understanding, indicating that those manipulating the situation are merely hired for the cause.