In a recent address at the East Asia Summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations. He underlined India's belief in the effectiveness of a code of conduct for the South China Sea, provided it aligns with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Modi reiterated that in today's world, characterized by geopolitical tensions, dialogue and diplomacy are the primary means of conflict resolution.
Prime Minister Modi acknowledged that terrorism, extremism, and geopolitical conflicts pose significant challenges globally. He emphasized that the current global landscape is fraught with complexities and uncertainties. To address these challenges, he stressed the importance of adhering to international laws and called for collective commitment and cooperation to uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries.
Modi reiterated his belief that the contemporary era is one of dialogue and diplomacy rather than warfare. He referenced a previous meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where he advocated for an end to the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the importance of peaceful resolution.
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The East Asia Summit stands as the foremost forum in the Asia-Pacific region for addressing security and defense issues. Established in 2005, it has played a crucial role in shaping the strategic, geopolitical, and economic dynamics of East Asia. The summit comprises ASEAN member states, including India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Russia.
Prime Minister Modi's remarks regarding the South China Sea come in the context of growing global concerns over China's assertive military actions in the region. Recently, several ASEAN member countries, including Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, strongly protested China's territorial claims over the South China Sea in its latest edition of the "standard map of China."
China's release of the 2023 edition of this map, which includes Taiwan, the South China Sea, Arunachal Pradesh, and Aksai Chin as Chinese territories, was met with rejection by India, which lodged a formal protest against China's actions. ASEAN countries have been pushing for a binding code of conduct (COC) for the South China Sea, primarily due to China's persistent efforts to assert control over the region.
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Modi emphasized the need for an Indo-Pacific region where international law, including UNCLOS, applies universally. He advocated for freedom of navigation, overflight, and unimpeded lawful commerce to benefit all nations. India's stance is that the Code of Conduct for the South China Sea should be effective, in line with UNCLOS, and consider the interests of countries not directly involved in the discussions.
The Prime Minister also highlighted India's approach toward Myanmar, taking into account ASEAN's perspectives while aiming to maintain peace and security along the borders and enhance India-ASEAN connectivity. He stressed that peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region benefit all parties.
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