Peace DNA ingrained in us: Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Tokyo: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today sought to address concerns of international community over India not signing the NPT by saying that the country’s commitment to peace and non-violence is ingrained in the “DNA of Indian society” which is above any international treaty or processes. “India is a land of Lord Buddha who lived for peace and suffered for peace and that message is prevalent in India,” Mr Modi said at Sacred Heart University here while replying to a question by a student.

During an interaction, he was asked how India would enhance trust of the international community without changing its stand on Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which it has refused to sign despite possessing nuclear weapons. Asserting that India’s “commitment to non-violence is total”, the PM said it is ingrained in the “DNA of Indian society and this is above any international treaty. In international affairs, there are some processes. But above them is the commitment of the society,” Mr Modi said, underlining the need for rising “above the treaties”.