Various countries including India have strongly cornered China in the ASEAN meeting and the East Asia Summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also once again targeted China’s expansionism and said that this is the era of development. Let us tell you that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the 19th East Asia Summit, has said that a free, open, inclusive, prosperous and rules-based Indo-Pacific is important for the progress of the entire region. The Prime Minister began his address by expressing his deep condolences to the people affected by “Typhoon Yagi” and said that in this difficult time, we have provided humanitarian assistance through Operation Sadbhav.
In his address, the Prime Minister said that India has always supported ASEAN Unity and Centrality. ASEAN is also at the center of India’s Indo-Pacific vision and Quad cooperation. There are deep parallels between India’s “Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative” and the “ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific”. A free, open, inclusive, prosperous and rule-based Indo-Pacific is vital for the peace and progress of the entire region. He said that peace, security and stability of the South China Sea is in the interest of the entire Indo-Pacific region. The Prime Minister said that we believe that maritime activities should be conducted under UNCLOS. It is necessary to ensure Freedom of Navigation and Air Space. He said that a solid and effective code of conduct should be made. And the foreign policy of regional countries should not be curbed in this. The Prime Minister said that our approach should be of development, not expansionism.
The Prime Minister said that we support the ASEAN perspective on the situation in Myanmar. We also support the Five-Point Consensus. At the same time, we believe it is important to maintain humanitarian assistance. And appropriate steps should also be taken for the restoration of democracy. He said that our view is that, for this, Myanmar will have to be engaged and not isolated. He said that as a neighboring country, India will continue to fulfill its responsibilities.
The Prime Minister said that the conflicts going on in different regions of the world are having the most negative impact on the countries of the Global South. Everyone wants that peace and stability should be restored as soon as possible, whether in Eurasia or West Asia. He said that I come from the land of Buddha, and I have repeatedly said that this is not an age of war. Solutions to problems cannot come from the battlefield. The Prime Minister said that it is necessary to respect sovereignty, territorial integrity and international laws. Keeping a humanitarian approach, dialogue and diplomacy will have to be given prominence. The Prime Minister said that while fulfilling the responsibility of Vishwabandhu, India will continue to make every possible contribution in this direction.
The Prime Minister said that terrorism is also a serious challenge to global peace and security. To face this, the forces that believe in humanity will have to work together and also strengthen mutual cooperation in the areas of cyber, maritime and space. He said that the revival of Nalanda was our commitment given in the East Asia Summit. In June this year, we accomplished this by inaugurating the new campus of Nalanda University. He said that I invite all the countries present here to the Heads of Higher Education Conclave to be held in Nalanda.
The Prime Minister said that the East Asia Summit is an important pillar of India’s Act East Policy and, I heartily congratulate Prime Minister Sipandon for organizing this wonderful summit today. He said that I convey my best wishes to the incoming Chair Malaysia, and assure India’s full support for his successful presidency.
Let us also tell you that in the ASEAN meeting, Philippines President Ferdinand Bonabong Marcos Jr. had also strongly attacked China. He urged ASEAN leaders “not to turn a blind eye to developments in the South China Sea.” Marcos’ statement came after China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels again fired water cannons at two vessels of the Philippines Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal). In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said that China will continue to work with ASEAN countries in the South China Sea.
Let us also tell you that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has told Southeast Asian leaders that the US is concerned about China’s “increasingly dangerous and illegal” activities in the South China Sea. The United States has promised to continue to help preserve freedom in the region and keep this vital sea route secure.