Vientiane/New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the violence and tensions taking place in West Asia and Eurasia are taking their toll on countries of the Global South and added that India is ready to contribute in every way to help bring resolution of the conflicts.
In his address at the 19th East Asia Summit in Vientiane, Prime Minister Modi also said that he comes from the land of Buddha and has repeatedly urged that this is not the era of war, and that dialogue and diplomacy are the only way forward.
“The tensions and violence taking place in different parts of the world are having the worst effect on countries of the global south. Everyone wants that whether it be in Eurasia or West Asia peace and stability should return at the earliest.
“I come from the land of the Buddha, and have said repeatedly said that this is not the era of war. Resolutions cannot be found on the battlefield.
“Sovereignty and territorial integrity and international laws should be respected.
“Dialogue and diplomacy should be given foremost importance keeping in mind the humanitarian situation.
“India is ready to contribute in every way for this, in keeping with its policy of Vishwabandhu”.
Earlier in his speech, the PM extended deepest sympathies with the countries and people affected by Typhoon Yagi, and said that India has launched Operation Sadbhav to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected.
The PM said that India has always supported Asean unity and centrality. “The Asean is also present in India’s Indo Pacific Vision and partnership with the Quad.
“India’s Indo Pacific Oceans Initiative and the Asean Outlook on Indo Pacific share deep commonalities. A free, open, and inclusive ocean and rules-based Indo-Pacific, is important for the peace and progress of the entire region.
“A peaceful, secure and stable South China Sea is beneficial for the entire Indo-Pacific region,” he said, in an indirect attack on China that has spread its hegemony over the entire South China Sea.
“We believe that all maritime activities should be under the governance of UNCLOS. It is essential to ensure freedom of navigation and air space,” he said, calling for a solid and effective code of conduct to be drawn up.
“And in this there should be no control exerted on the foreign policy of regional countries.”
“Our approach should be for development and not expansionism.
“We support Asean’s outlook on the Myanmar situation, and also support the five-point consensus.
“We believe that humanitarian assistance should be continued, and appropriate steps should be taken for restoration of democracy in Myanmar.
“For this, we believe that we should engage with Myanmar, and not isolate it.
“As a neighbour, India will continue to carry out its responsibilities,” the PM said.
He said that Terrorism is also a grave challenge for global peace and security. To fight this, the countries that have faith in humanity should gather together.
“We need to collaborate more in the fields of cyber, maritime and space.”
The PM said the revival of Nalanda university was “India’s commitment to the East Asia Summit, and we have fulfilled this by inauguration of the building in June. I invite all the countries to the Heads of Higher Education Conclave to be held at Nalanda.”
He said the East Asia Summit is an important part of India’s Act East Policy and thanked Lao PDR for hosting the summit. He also extended welcome to incoming chair Malaysia and assured of India’s full support.
