In NEW DELHI:

Prior to his Friday trip to Japan for the G7 conference in Hiroshima, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that his nation wanted “normal and neighbourly relations” with Pakistan.

The “onus is on Islamabad to create a conducive environment free from terrorism and hostilities,” he said, reiterating India’s frequently stated view on the matter.

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Pakistan has disagreed with India’s position and earlier this month warned India not to use terrorism as a diplomatic bargaining chip.

When discussing the India-China impasse in eastern Ladakh, Mr. Modi told the Japanese journal Nikkei Asia that “peace and tranquilly in the border areas are essential for normal bilateral ties with China.”

He said that “the future development of India-China relationship can only be based on mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interests” after stating that India is dedicated to protecting its sovereignty and dignity.

He pointed out that “normalising” the relationships would be advantageous for the world and the larger area.

In his remarks on the Indian economy, the prime minister emphasized that it has been among the fastest-growing in the world and that it has risen from being the tenth-largest economy in 2014 to the fifth-largest now.

He continued by saying that during the next 25 years, India’s government aimed to convert it into a developed country.

According to Mr. Modi, India’s position on the Ukraine issue is “clear and unwavering” with regard to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

“India is and will continue to be solidly on the side of peace. We are dedicated to helping individuals who struggle to satisfy their basic necessities, particularly in light of the growing prices of food, gasoline, and fertilizers. Both Russia and Ukraine are in contact with us, he added. He emphasized that rather than war, “cooperation and collaboration should define our times.”