PM Modi Advocates Peace at East Asia Summit

Summary:

1. PM Modi stressed dialogue over conflict at the East Asia Summit.
2. He called for global cooperation to address the negative impacts of ongoing conflicts.
3. The Prime Minister also expressed concerns over terrorism and Indo-Pacific stability.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the East Asia Summit in Laos on Thursday, emphasized that solutions to global problems cannot come from the battlefield but through dialogue and cooperation.

PM Modi highlighted the rising tensions in regions like the Middle East and Eastern Europe, particularly pointing to Israel’s escalations with Iran and its proxies in Gaza and Lebanon, and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. He expressed concern over the negative impact these conflicts have on the Global South. “Conflicts in different parts of the world are having the most adverse effects on Global South countries,” PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister attended the ASEAN-India and East Asia summits to strengthen ties with ASEAN countries, reiterating his message that diplomacy and peaceful resolutions are the only viable paths forward. “I come from the land of Buddha, and I have repeatedly said this is not an era of war; solutions to problems cannot come from the battlefield,” he stated.

He advocated a humanitarian approach to conflicts and reaffirmed India’s commitment to peace and diplomacy. “Keeping a humanitarian approach, dialogue and diplomacy must be prioritized. As a responsible global citizen, India will contribute in every possible way in this direction,” he added.

PM Modi also raised concerns about the growing threat of terrorism, urging for global cooperation to combat the issue. “Terrorism is a serious challenge to global peace and security. To face it, forces that believe in humanity must work together. Mutual cooperation in areas like cyber, maritime, and space must also be strengthened,” he said.

Furthermore, PM Modi called for a “free, open, inclusive, prosperous, and rule-based Indo-Pacific,” highlighting India’s concerns over China’s aggressive behavior in the region. He emphasized that the peace, security, and stability of the South China Sea are crucial for the progress of the Indo-Pacific. “Our approach should be one of developmentalism, not expansionism,” he stated.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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