NEW DELHI: In yet another strong message to China in two successive days, Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 19th East Asia summit (EAS) called for a focus on "development and not expansionism". Reiterating that "this is not the age of war", Mr Modi spoke about the need for dialogue and diplomacy while emphasising that "the peace, security and stability in the South China Sea are in the interest of the entire Indo-Pacific region". He also stressed the necessity to tackle terrorism unitedly.
Addressing the 19th EAS, the Prime Minister said that the summit is a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy. He said a "free, open, inclusive, prosperous and rules-based Indo-Pacific is crucial for the peace and progress of the entire region”.
The Prime Minister added: “We believe that maritime activities should be conducted in accordance with UNCLOS. Ensuring freedom of navigation and airspace is essential. A robust and effective code of conduct should be developed. And it should not impose restrictions on the foreign policies of regional countries."
Mr Modi pointed out that “India has consistently supported the unity and centrality of Asean (which is) also pivotal to India’s Indo-Pacific vision and Quad cooperation”.
According to sources, in a “recognition of India’s role and importance” for Asean, the Prime Minister was the “first leader to be invited to address the EAS after the host Laos”. Sources added that Mr Modi was the “only leader in the room to have participated in the most number” of EAS, nine out of 19.
On Myanmar, the Prime Minister said, “We endorse Asean’s approach to the situation in Myanmar and support the five-point consensus. Furthermore, we believe it is crucial to sustain humanitarian assistance and implement suitable measures for the restoration of democracy. We believe that Myanmar should be engaged rather than isolated in this process. As a neighbouring country, India will continue to uphold its responsibilities."
On the ongoing global conflicts, Mr Modi said, "The most negatively affected countries, due to ongoing conflicts in various parts of the world, are those from the Global South... I come from the land of Buddha and I have repeatedly stated that this is not the age of war. Solutions to problems cannot be found on the battlefield."
He added: "It is essential to respect sovereignty, territorial integrity and international laws. With a humanitarian perspective, we must place a strong emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy. In fulfilling its responsibilities as a 'Vishwa bandhu' (friend of the world), India will continue to make every effort to contribute in this direction."
On the menace of terrorism, the PM said, "Terrorism also poses a serious challenge to global peace and security. To combat it, forces that believe in humanity must come together and work in tandem. And we must strengthen mutual cooperation in the areas of cyber, maritime and space."
At a special media briefing in Laos, the ministry of external affairs secretary (East) Jaideep Mazumdar said that there was no leaders' statement (joint statement) at the conclusion of the summit due to certain "irreconcilable differences about some of the formulations that were discussed". It may be noted that the United States on the one hand and Russia and China on the other are part of the summit mechanism.
The EAS mechanism comprises the 10-member (Southeast Asian) Asean bloc besides India, China, Russia, the United States, Australia, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand. China has maritime territorial disputes with some of the Asean nations, like the Philippines and Vietnam. Chinese Premier Li Qiang represented his country at the EAS.
