On November 21, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus in Vientiane, Lao PDR. He emphasized India's commitment to a rule-based international order for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Singh highlighted the importance of a Code of Conduct that respects the rights of all nations and aligns with international law, particularly the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982.
Singh stressed India's support for freedom of navigation, lawful commerce, and adherence to international law. He noted the significance of the meeting being held in Lao PDR, a nation embodying Buddhist principles of non-violence and peace. Singh advocated for embracing these principles to address global polarization and conflicts.
He reiterated India's dedication to dialogue and peaceful negotiation in resolving international issues, promoting trust and cooperation. Singh described the 21st century as the 'Asian Century,' highlighting the dynamic economic and cultural activities in the ASEAN region and India's role as a trusted partner.
Singh also addressed climate change, emphasizing the need for a multi-stakeholder approach to strengthen resilience in the defense sector. He called for an ADMM-Plus Defence Strategy on Climate Change and underscored the importance of safeguarding Global Commons, shared resources essential for life and prosperity.
The meeting included 10 ASEAN countries, eight Plus countries, and Timor Leste, chaired by Laos' Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, General Chansamone Chanyalath.
Rajnath Singh is an Indian politician who is currently serving as the Defence Minister of India. He is responsible for overseeing the country's defense and military matters.
ASEAN stands for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. It is a group of countries in Southeast Asia that work together to promote economic growth, peace, and stability in the region.
Lao PDR stands for the Lao People's Democratic Republic, commonly known as Laos. It is a country in Southeast Asia where the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting took place.
The Indo-Pacific is a region that includes the Indian Ocean and the western and central Pacific Ocean. It is an important area for trade and security, involving many countries including India.
A Code of Conduct is a set of rules or guidelines that countries agree to follow. In this context, it refers to rules that ensure all countries' rights are respected and align with international law.
Climate change can affect defense by causing natural disasters, which can lead to security challenges. It can impact military operations and require countries to work together to address these issues.
Plus countries refer to nations that are not part of ASEAN but are involved in the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus. These countries work with ASEAN to discuss defense and security issues.
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