NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the 19th East Asia Summit on Friday stressed the importance of the South China Sea’s stability for the entire Indo-Pacific region.
PM Modi said, “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 are in the interest of the entire Indo-Pacific region.”
PM Modi reaffirmed India’s support for ASEAN Unity and Centrality, highlighting that ASEAN is central to 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’,” he noted.
Addressing the situation in Myanmar, he supported ASEAN’s approach and the Five-Point Consensus, stressing the importance of humanitarian assistance and the restoration of democracy. “Myanmar should be engaged, not isolated,” he said, adding that India would continue to fulfil its responsibility as a neighbouring country.
Referring to broader global conflicts, particularly in Eurasia and West Asia, PM Modi called for immediate action, stating, “This is not the era of war. Solutions to problems cannot come from the battlefield.” He emphasised India’s commitment to respecting sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international laws, while urging a humanitarian approach prioritising dialogue and diplomacy. “Fulfilling the responsibility of Vishwabhadhu, India will continue to contribute in every possible way in this direction,” he added.
PM Modi also spoke about terrorism, describing it as a “serious challenge to global peace and security.” He called for international cooperation, stating, “Forces believing in humanity will have to work together.” He further emphasised the need for strengthened cooperation in cyber, maritime, and space sectors to ensure collective security.
On the sidelines of the summit in Vientiane, PM Modi met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, offering condolences for the loss of at least 14 lives in the US due to Hurricane Milton.
PM Modi is on a two-day visit to Laos, where he also participated in the 21st ASEAN-India Summit. His visit marks a decade of India’s Act East Policy. Upon his arrival in Vientiane, he received a ceremonial welcome and was greeted by senior ministers, including Laos’ Minister of Home Affairs, Vilayvong Bouddakham.
PM Modi also interacted with the Indian diaspora and was welcomed by several dignitaries, including the Minister of Education and Sports and the Mayor of Vientiane. He attended a performance of the Lao Ramayan, Phalak Phalam, by the Royal Theatre of Luang Prabang, and shared photos of the event on X, expressing appreciation for the cultural ties between India and Laos.
Sharing photos of the performance on X, PM Modi wrote, “Vijaya Dashami is a few days away, and today in Lao PDR, I saw a part of the Lao Ramayana, highlighting the victory of Prabhu Shri Ram over Ravan. It is heartening to see the people here remain in touch with the Ramayan. May the blessings of Prabhu Shri Ram always remain upon us!”
India and Laos share historical and cultural links, reflected in their common heritage of Buddhism and the Ramayana. The two countries established bilateral relations in 1956, and their ties remain friendly.