Making common cause with Asean nations, several of which are involved in maritime disputes with Beijing in South China Sea (SCS), PM Modi Thursday said India and Asean member-states respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity , and in times of conflict, friendship and cooperation between them is of paramount importance.
Addressing the India-Asean Summit at Vientiane, the capital of Laos, Modi said the 21st century is the “Asian century” that belongs to India and Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations).
To enhance connectivity and resilience, Modi proposed a 10-point plan that included doubling the number of scholarships at Nalanda University for Asean students, and a review of Asean-India Trade in Goods Agreement by 2025. “We are neighbours, partners in the Global South, and a rapidly growing region in the world,” Modi said.
Need substantive SCS code of conduct, says Asean joint statement
We are peace-loving nations, that respect each other’s national integrity and sovereignty, and we are committed to ensuring a bright future for our youth,” said Modi. “I believe the 21st century is the ‘Asian century’. Today, when there is conflict and tension in many parts of the world, the friendship, coordination, dialogue and cooperation between India and Asean are of utmost importance,” he added. Leaders underlined the significance of Unclos as the legal framework within which all activities in oceans and seas must be carried out, and its strategic importance as the basis for national, regional and global action in the maritime sector.
They called for peace, stability and prosperity in the region through “trust and confidence based on shared democratic values, strong belief in sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a shared commitment to the rule of law and the principles of the UN Charter”.
A joint statement said they reaffirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, stability, maritime safety and security, freedom of navigation and overflight in the region, and other lawful uses of the seas, in accordance with Unclos .
“In this regard, we support the full and effective implementation of Declaration on the Conduct of the Parties in South China Sea in its entirety and look forward to the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in South China Sea that is in accordance with international law, including the 1982 Unclos,” the statement said. Modi also underlined the need to complete the review of the Asean-India FTA (Aitiga ) in a time-bound manner.
Issuing a separate joint statement on advancing digital transformation, the leaders agreed to create a new Asean-India Plan of Action (2026-2030) that will guide both sides in realising the full potential of the Asean-India partnership.
Addressing the India-Asean Summit at Vientiane, the capital of Laos, Modi said the 21st century is the “Asian century” that belongs to India and Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations).
To enhance connectivity and resilience, Modi proposed a 10-point plan that included doubling the number of scholarships at Nalanda University for Asean students, and a review of Asean-India Trade in Goods Agreement by 2025. “We are neighbours, partners in the Global South, and a rapidly growing region in the world,” Modi said.
Need substantive SCS code of conduct, says Asean joint statement
We are peace-loving nations, that respect each other’s national integrity and sovereignty, and we are committed to ensuring a bright future for our youth,” said Modi. “I believe the 21st century is the ‘Asian century’. Today, when there is conflict and tension in many parts of the world, the friendship, coordination, dialogue and cooperation between India and Asean are of utmost importance,” he added. Leaders underlined the significance of Unclos as the legal framework within which all activities in oceans and seas must be carried out, and its strategic importance as the basis for national, regional and global action in the maritime sector.
They called for peace, stability and prosperity in the region through “trust and confidence based on shared democratic values, strong belief in sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a shared commitment to the rule of law and the principles of the UN Charter”.
A joint statement said they reaffirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, stability, maritime safety and security, freedom of navigation and overflight in the region, and other lawful uses of the seas, in accordance with Unclos .
“In this regard, we support the full and effective implementation of Declaration on the Conduct of the Parties in South China Sea in its entirety and look forward to the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in South China Sea that is in accordance with international law, including the 1982 Unclos,” the statement said. Modi also underlined the need to complete the review of the Asean-India FTA (Aitiga ) in a time-bound manner.
Issuing a separate joint statement on advancing digital transformation, the leaders agreed to create a new Asean-India Plan of Action (2026-2030) that will guide both sides in realising the full potential of the Asean-India partnership.
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