We have been living under the shadow of bigger countries, I changed that: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi while speaking to Times Now admitted that foreign policy was a new subject to him. He also asserted that political stability is the biggest strength of India's foreign policy as it was after 30 years that a government with a full majority has been elected.

He said, "The biggest strength of our foreign policy is political stability. After 30 years, a government with a full majority was elected."

On India's failed Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) membership bid, Modi said, "It's during our tenure that we achieved SCO membership, we also got the MTCR membership. I have full faith that now we have begun a coordinated effort for the NSG membership too".

On China objecting to India's entry into NSG and if he was disappointed with China for its stand, Modi said things will move forward as per rule and the process for it has begun on a "positive note".

"Everyone attempted and we also attempted to be a member of the NSG group. We will keep trying, and things have started on a positive note. All the things will be according to the due procedure."

He also spoke about India's ties with Pakistan saying that India has done everything in its capacity to build a strong relationship with Pakistan which was clearly evident to the world and added, "It's Pakistan which is creating hurdles in ironing out differences between the two nations."

"Who do you talk to in Pakistan? The government, army, or non-state actors?" the PM told Times Now.

"India has always wanted friendly ties with its neighbours, there can be no debate around it. We want to live in harmony and peace. And I have said it repeatedly, that India has to fight poverty, Pakistan too has to fight poverty, why don't we come together to fight poverty?" he said.

He said the External Affairs Ministry, the Prime Minister's Office, the Commerce Ministry and the Defence Ministry "work as a team."

While talking about the changing image of India, he said, "The world measures a nation by the way it is treated in its own country. Countries and world leaders have changed their perspective of India."

"I came without baggage. I can talk to Saudi Arabia, US, Russia with the same amount of respect. I do not consider small countries insignificant. We have been living under the shadow of bigger countries, I changed that," he added.