Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Lao PDR, where he participated in the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit, underlined India’s strategic priorities in the Indo-Pacific region. During his address at the 19th East Asia Summit, PM Modi emphasized the need for a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, vital for regional peace and development.
Key points from his speech included:
- Indo-Pacific Security: Modi stressed the importance of peace, security, and stability in the South China Sea, underscoring that maritime activities should align with international law, particularly the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). His comments indirectly addressed concerns about China’s growing assertiveness in the region.
- Global Conflicts: Reflecting on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Israel-Hamas war, Modi highlighted the impact of global conflicts on the Global South. He reiterated his stance that “this is not the era of war,” calling for diplomacy and dialogue as solutions to international disputes.
- Counterterrorism: Modi also raised the issue of terrorism, advocating for stronger global cooperation to combat it, and called for collaboration in emerging areas like cyber, maritime, and space security.
- ASEAN and Indo-Pacific Unity: He reaffirmed India’s commitment to ASEAN’s central role in the Indo-Pacific and noted the alignment between India’s “Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative” and ASEAN’s “Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.” He also supported ASEAN’s approach to the situation in Myanmar, stressing the importance of engaging Myanmar diplomatically.
The visit highlighted India’s efforts to strengthen ties with ASEAN nations and its proactive role in ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, especially amid rising tensions and global conflicts.
