PM FAVOUR RULES-BASED INDO-PACIFIC REGION

EAST ASIA MEET | Modi calls for peace in Eurasia, West Asia, says solutions to problems cannot come from battlefield, rather focus on development

Prime minister Narendra Modi on Friday said a free, open, inclusive, prosperous, and rules-based Indo-Pacific is crucial for peace and progress of the entire region.

As the first speaker at the Summit after the host, Lao PDR, and incoming chair, Malaysia, the prime minister asserted that the East Asia Summit Indo-Pacific's premier forum for strategic dialogue - is a key pillar of India's Act East Policy.

Amid increasing Chinese assertiveness in the region, the PM said peace, security, and stability in the South China Sea are in the interest of the Indo-Pacific region.

Stating that ensuring freedom of navigation and airspace is essential, Modi said, "Maritime activities should be conducted in accordance with UNCLOS. A robust and effective code of conduct should be developed."

India and other South Asian countries have repeatedly stated the importance of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea in the South China Sea region in view of China's assertiveness.

"Our approach should focus on development and not expansionism," Modi said without naming any country.