Modi dodges question on China

Tokyo: Prime Minister Narendra Modi dodged questions on China, instead maintaining that the focus should be “ourselves, not others”.

Two students from Tokyo’s Sacred Heart University, on Tuesday, asked Modi about China’s expansionism and the potential dangers of selling India civilian nuclear technology.

While Modi touched upon the dangers of maritime incursions on Monday, indirectly referring to China, he stayed away from any potential controversy on Tuesday.

“Let us remain committed to our values, focus on development and peace. Then the situation will improve,” Modi said.

China has also reacted guardedly to Modi’s remarks criticising “expansionism”, saying it is not clear what he was referring to.

New Delhi’s support to Japan is vital with its ongoing feud with China over the disputed Senkoku islands. While both sides have agreed to step up joint naval exercises and to continue a high level trilateral security dialogue which includes the US, Modi wasn’t willing to openly state where there would be a more substantial military engagement between both countries.

Japan has also agreed to sell and transfer technology to India to build the specialised sea-plane, the US-2 produced by ShinMaywa.

In keeping with the Modi government’s policy, these planes will be made in India.

However, India has not been able to lock Japan for a deal in civilian nuclear technology. Tokyo stands firm on the nuclear non-proliferation treaty which New Delhi has not signed.