A free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific is essential for the peace and progress of the entire region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said during his address at the East Asia Summit in Laos on Friday.
PM Modi emphasized the importance of focusing on development in the Indo-Pacific region, rather than expansionism, indirectly referring to China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea, which has contributed to geopolitical tensions.
He said that maritime activities should be governed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and regional countries should not face restrictions in their foreign policy.
“We believe maritime activities must align with UNCLOS. Ensuring Freedom of Navigation and Air Space is necessary. An effective Code of Conduct is essential, and the foreign policy of regional countries should remain unimpeded,” PM Modi added. “Our approach should be one of development, not expansionism.”
PM Modi highlighted that ASEAN remains central to India’s Indo-Pacific vision and Quad cooperation.
“India has always supported ASEAN unity. ASEAN is also at the core of India’s Indo-Pacific vision and Quad cooperation. India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative aligns closely with ASEAN’s Outlook on Indo-Pacific,” he said.
Earlier this year, during the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in July, a joint statement reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to advancing a positive and practical agenda to support the region’s sustainable development, stability, and prosperity. The ministers had expressed concern over China’s actions in the South China Sea and reiterated their opposition to any unilateral actions aimed at altering the status quo by force or coercion.
The East Asia Summit brings together heads of state and government from participating countries, meeting annually. Initiated in 2005, the Summit originally included 16 nations—ASEAN Member States, Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea. The US and Russia joined in 2011 during the sixth East Asia Summit in Bali.
On Thursday, PM Modi also attended the 21st ASEAN-India Summit. His two-day visit to Laos comes as India celebrates a decade of its Act East Policy. (ANI)