Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called for “peace and stability” in West Asia, saying, “everyone wants whether it is Eurasia or West Asia, peace and stability should be restored as soon as possible.”
Addressing the 19th East Asia Summit in Vientiane, Laos, PM Modi said: “The conflicts going on in different parts of the world are having the most negative impact on countries of the Global South.”
“I come from the land of Buddha, and I have repeatedly said that this is not the era of war. Solutions to problems cannot come from the battlefield. It is necessary to respect sovereignty, territorial integrity and international laws. Keeping a humanitarian approach, dialogue and diplomacy will have to be given priority. Fulfilling the responsibility of Vishwabhadhu, India will continue to contribute in every possible way in this direction,” the Indian Prime Minister said.
‘Terrorism a serious challenge to global peace & security’
The Prime Minister further said that terrorism is a serious challenge to global peace and security and to face it, forces believing in humanity will have to work together. “And, mutual cooperation in the areas of cyber, maritime and space will also have to be strengthened,” he added.
Modi calls for restoration of democracy in Myanmar, supports 5-point consensus
During the summit, PM Modi called for restoration of democracy in Myanmar.
“We support the ASEAN approach on the situation in Myanmar. We also support the Five-point Consensus. At the same time, we believe that it is important to maintain humanitarian assistance. And appropriate steps should also be taken for the restoration of democracy,” the PM said.
“We believe that, for this, Myanmar should be engaged, not isolated. As a neighbouring country, India will continue to fulfill its responsibility,” he added.
India always supported ASEAN unity & centrality
PM Modi also said that India has always supported ASEAN Unity and Centrality. “ASEAN is also at the centre of India’s Indo-Pacific vision and Quad cooperation. There are deep similarities between India’s ‘Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative and ‘ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific’.”
“A free, open, inclusive, prosperous and rule-based Indo-Pacific is important for the peace and progress of the entire region. Peace, security and stability of the South China Sea is in the interest of the entire Indo-Pacific region,” the PM said.
Modi calls ‘peaceful’ South China Sea
At the Summit, the Prime Minister also called for a “peaceful” South China Sea. He also stressed upon following UNCLOS, freedom of navigation and air space in the region.
PM Modi also called for a code of conduct in the South China Sea that doesn’t impinge on the rights of others.
“Peace, security and stability of the South China Sea are in the interest of the entire Indo-Pacific region,” he said.
Modi expresses condolences to people affected by ‘Typhoon Yagi’
Prime Minister Modi also expressed “deepest condolences” to the people affected by ‘Typhoon Yagi’ and said, “In this difficult time, we have provided humanitarian assistance through Operation Sadbhav.”
Typhoon Yagi killed over 290 people in Myanmar last month.
Modi first leader to speak in East Asia Summit 2024
PM Modi was the first leader invited to speak at the 19th East Asia Summit, following the host and the incoming chair Lao PDR. This is a recognition of India’s role and importance in ASEAN.
The Indian government, this year, is marking 10 years of its Act East Policy.
Also, PM Modi was the only leader in the summit room to have participated in the most number of East Asia Summits. He has participated in nine out of 19 East Asia Summits so far.
Modi meets Blinken, expresses condolences for lives lost in Hurricane Milton
On the sidelines of the East Asia Summit, PM Modi also met with US secretary of state Antony Blinken and expressed condolences for the loss of lives caused by Hurricane Milton that led to a massive devastation in Florida after making a landfall on Wednesday.
PM Modi also met with New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the sidelines of the summit on Friday.
With inputs from agencies.
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PM Modi calls for peace, stability in West Asia, backs Asean move to restore democracy in Myanmar
