- Friday, October 11, 2024
The prime minister noted that the conflicts going on in different parts of the world are having the most negative impact on the countries of the Global South
By: Shajil Kumar
NOTING that conflicts in different parts of the world are having the most negative impact on the countries of the Global South, prime minister Narendra Modi on Friday called for the restoration of peace and stability in Eurasia and West Asia.
Addressing the 19th East Asia Summit in Vientiane, Laos, Modi also asserted that solutions to problems cannot come from the battlefield.
He also 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 is in the interest of the entire Indo-Pacific region, he said.
“We believe that maritime activities should be conducted under the UN Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS). It is necessary to ensure freedom of navigation and air space. A strong and effective Code of Conduct should be created. And it should not curb the foreign policy of regional countries,” Modi said.
“Our approach should be one of developmentalism and not expansionism,” he said.
Noting that the conflicts going on in different parts of the world are having the most negative impact on the countries of the Global South, Modi said everyone wants whether it is Eurasia or West Asia, peace and stability should be restored as soon as possible.
“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,” he said.
“It is necessary to respect sovereignty, territorial integrity and international laws. Keeping a humanitarian approach, dialogue and diplomacy will have to be given priority,” the prime minister asserted.
Fulfilling the responsibility of ‘Vishwabandhu’, India will continue to contribute in every possible way in this direction, he added.
His remarks came amidst conflicts between Ukraine and Russia in Eurasia and the Israel-Hamas war in West Asia.
“Terrorism is also a serious challenge to global peace and security. To face it, forces believing in humanity will have to work together,” Modi said.
Meeting with Blinken
Modi on Friday briefly interacted with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit.
On Thursday, he held a “very productive” meeting with newly-appointed Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba during which they discussed ways to enhance cooperation in different areas, including infrastructure, connectivity and defence.
Modi also met his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon on the margins of the summit.
Bilateral talks with Laos
Modi and his Laos counterpart Sonexay Siphandone on Friday held discussions aimed at further strengthening the ties between the two countries, including in key sectors like economic and defence.
Modi arrived Vientiane on Thursday at the invitation of prime minister Sonexay Siphandone.
He also congratulated Lao prime minister on successfully hosting the 21st ASEAN-India and 19th East Asia Summits.
Prime minister Siphandone thanked India’s flood relief assistance provided to Lao PDR in the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi.(PTI)
