Prime Minister Narendra Modi Advocates for Peaceful Indo-Pacific at East Asia Summit in Laos
Vientiane, Laos – Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region for peace and progress during the 19th East Asia Summit. He highlighted the need for development-focused approaches rather than expansionism, indirectly referencing China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea.
PM Modi stressed that maritime activities should adhere to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and that regional countries’ foreign policies should remain unrestricted. He stated, “Our approach should be that of development, not expansionism.”
He also underscored ASEAN’s central role in India’s Indo-Pacific vision and Quad cooperation, noting the alignment between India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and the ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific.
The East Asia Summit, initiated in 2005, includes ASEAN Member States, Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the US, and Russia. PM Modi’s visit to Laos coincides with the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and marks a decade of India’s Act East Policy.
Doubts Revealed
Indo-Pacific -: The Indo-Pacific is a region that includes the Indian Ocean and the western and central Pacific Ocean. It is important for trade and security.
East Asia Summit -: The East Asia Summit is a meeting where leaders from countries in East Asia and nearby regions discuss important issues like peace and development.
Laos -: Laos is a country in Southeast Asia. It is known for its mountains and beautiful landscapes.
Expansionism -: Expansionism is when a country tries to grow its power by taking over more land or influence. It can lead to conflicts with other countries.
South China Sea -: The South China Sea is a part of the Pacific Ocean near China and Southeast Asia. It is important for shipping and has many natural resources.
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea -: This is an international agreement that sets rules for how countries can use the world’s oceans. It helps prevent conflicts over ocean resources.
ASEAN -: ASEAN stands for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. It is a group of countries in Southeast Asia that work together on economic and political issues.
Quad cooperation -: Quad cooperation refers to the partnership between four countries: India, the United States, Japan, and Australia. They work together on issues like security and development in the Indo-Pacific region.