Solutions to problems cannot be found on battlefield: PM Narendra Modi

New Delhi, Oct 11: On the second day of his visit to Lao PDR for the 19th East Asia Summit in Vientiane, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a weighty address, highlighting India’s commitment to development, peace, and regional cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

The summit is attended by leaders from across East Asia and beyond. It serves as an important platform for addressing current regional issues, mainly the ongoing situation in Myanmar and growing tensions in the South China Sea. These concerns are of particular importance given the intensifying strategic competition between the United States and China in the region.

During his speech, PM Modi reaffirmed India’s support for ASEAN’s central role in the Indo-Pacific, highlighting the alignment between India’s “Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative” and the “ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.” Modi emphasised the importance of a “free, open, inclusive, prosperous, and rules-based Indo-Pacific,” noting that peace and stability in the region, particularly in the South China Sea, are crucial for the prosperity of the entire region.

“The peace, security, and stability in the South China Sea are in the interest of the entire Indo-Pacific region,” Modi stated. “We believe that maritime activities should be conducted in accordance with UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea). Ensuring freedom of navigation and airspace is essential.” He called for the development of a robust Code of Conduct that respects the sovereignty of regional states and does not restrict their foreign policies.

The South China Sea has been a flashpoint of contention, with multiple overlapping territorial claims by regional countries such as Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia, as well as China’s increasingly assertive military presence. For India, maintaining freedom of navigation and upholding international law in these waters is vital, given the region’s importance to global trade and security.

Modi also addressed the crisis in Myanmar, which has been in turmoil since a military coup in 2021. He expressed India’s endorsement of ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus, a framework aimed at facilitating dialogue and restoring peace in Myanmar. He stressed the need for sustained humanitarian assistance and a diplomatic approach to resolve the crisis, rejecting the idea of isolating Myanmar.

“Our approach should focus on development and not expansionism,” Modi said, subtly critiquing expansionist policies often associated with China. He emphasised that India would continue to engage with Myanmar, offering support to restore democracy and peace in the neighbouring nation.

The East Asia Summit comes at a crucial time for the region, as both the United States and China intensify their diplomatic and military engagements in Southeast Asia. The U.S. has ramped up its presence, aiming to counterbalance China’s growing influence, particularly in the South China Sea, while China continues to deepen its economic and political ties with ASEAN nations. For India, maintaining close cooperation with ASEAN is key to its broader Indo-Pacific strategy, and PM Modi’s speech highlighted India’s commitment to a multipolar, rules-based international order.

Beyond regional security concerns, PM Modi also highlighted India’s efforts to strengthen its cultural and educational ties with Southeast Asia. He highlighted India’s commitment to the revival of Nalanda University, a historic center of learning, inviting the summit participants to the upcoming ‘Heads of Higher Education Conclave’ at the new campus.

“The revival of Nalanda was a commitment we made at the East Asia Summit,” Modi remarked. “This June, we fulfilled that commitment by inaugurating the new campus. I invite all the countries present here to participate in the Conclave.”

India’s deep historical and cultural connections with the region, particularly through the shared heritage of Buddhism, remain an important element of its diplomacy in Southeast Asia. The bilateral relationship with Lao PDR is a reflection of this, with ties rooted in ancient civilizational links.

As Modi concluded his speech, he reaffirmed India’s commitment to global peace and stability, citing the challenges posed by conflicts in various regions and the threat of terrorism. He stressed the importance of collective action to tackle these global challenges, reiterating his oft-repeated message: “This is not the age of war. Solutions to problems cannot be found on the battlefield.”

The summit serves as a key moment in reinforcing India’s Act East policy, under which New Delhi has sought to deepen its engagement with ASEAN and other East Asian nations. As the geopolitical landscape in Asia becomes increasingly complex, India’s role in promoting peace, stability, and development in the region remains crucial.

India and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) share a long-standing relationship rooted in deep historical, civilisational, and cultural ties. Buddhism is central to this connection, as both countries take pride in their shared religious heritage. The cultural bond is further enriched by the influence of the Ramayana, which continues to be celebrated in both nations. Bilateral relations were formally established in 1956, and since then, the two countries have maintained a steady and friendly partnership, built on mutual respect and cooperation.

Prime Minister Modi on the sidelines also met the Prime Minister of Laos and signed several MoUs/agreements that included defence cooperation, tourism, culture and others. Prime Minister also met heads of New Zealand, Japa, Philippine