Tokyo, Sep 1 (IANS): In a veiled attack on the global powers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Monday that the world was witnessing expansionism as seen in the 18th century but it needed to take the path of development, instead.

In his address at the luncheon hosted by Nippon Kiedanren - the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry - and the Japan-India Business Cooperation Committtee here, Modi said the world is divided into two streams - of expansionism (vistarvad) and of the path of development (vikasvad).

He said there was a need to decide whether to allow the world to get into the trap of expansionism or to create opportunities for reaching new heights through the path of development.

"Those who walk on the path of Buddha, those who have faith on the path of development, they come with a guarantee of peace and progress. But we are witnessing today the expansionism that prevailed in the 18th century," Modi said.

"Encroaching on a country, entering into sea somewhere, entering a country and occupying territory - this expansionism cannot do welfare of the humanity in the 21st century. The path of development is essential and I feel Asia has to lead the world in 21st century, and India and Japan will have to together add to the glory of the path of development," Modi said.