Monday, 14 June 2021 | PNS | New Delhi
Modi tells G-7: India bound to democracy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday stressed the need for open and democratic societies to work together to defend the values they hold dear and to respond to the increasing global challenges. This message during the three-day G-7 summit ending Sunday was in apparent reference to the growing economic might of China and its human rights record, which emerged as a topic of concern for the G-7.
India is a natural ally for the G-7 countries in defending the shared values from a host of threats stemming from authoritarianism, terrorism and violent extremism, disinformation and economic coercion, Modi said. He, however, did not name China during his speech.
Participating in the high-profile event virtually at a session on ‘Open societies and open economies’ at the G7 summit, the Prime Minister highlighted India’s civilisational commitment to democracy, freedom of thought and liberty, the Ministry of External Affairs said here after Modi’s address.
The Prime Minister underscored the vulnerabilities inherent in open societies and called on technology companies and social media platforms to ensure a safe cyber environment for their users, Additional Secretary (Economic Relations), External Affairs Ministry, P Harish said.
Asked if the Prime Minister raised the issue of Chinese aggression during the summit, the official said it was not raised and there are other fora where such issues are discussed.
