Jakarta – In a significant address at the Asean-India Summit and East Asia Summit held in Jakarta, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the critical need for establishing a rules-based global order, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Prime Minister’s remarks took center stage against the backdrop of mounting concerns over China’s assertive actions in territorial disputes, exemplified by Beijing’s release of a contentious map laying claim to territories of neighboring nations as part of China.
This move has prompted strong reactions from India, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Taiwan, all of which have expressed their dissent against the Chinese map.
Prime Minister Modi unveiled a comprehensive 12-point plan during the Asean-India Summit, aimed at bolstering cooperation with the 10 member states constituting the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). He underscored the collective interest in amplifying the voices of the Global South and ensuring an unobstructed and open Indo-Pacific region. Reaffirming India’s unwavering commitment, he stressed the nation’s dedication to working closely with all Asean members to realize these shared objectives.
Speaking eloquently in Hindi, he declared, “The 21st century belongs to Asia. This is our century. This necessitates the creation of a rules-based post-Covid world order, and it requires everyone’s commitment to human welfare.”
Prime Minister Modi’s remarks at the East Asia Summit, an event attended by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, were notably forthright. The East Asia Summit comprises ASEAN member states and key dialogue partners, including Australia, China, Japan, Russia, and the United States.
“It is of utmost importance to fully adhere to international laws, and the commitment and collective endeavors of all are imperative to fortify the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations,” asserted Modi before the EAS.
He added, “As I have emphasized previously, today’s era is not one of conflict. Dialogue and diplomacy constitute the sole path to resolution,” emphasizing the importance of peaceful conflict resolution.
Modi also underscored that multilateralism and a rules-based global order are indispensable tools for addressing challenges such as terrorism, extremism, and geopolitical conflicts in an international landscape marked by uncertainties.
“The hour calls for an Indo-Pacific where international law, including UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), applies uniformly to all nations, ensuring freedom of navigation, unimpeded lawful commerce, and benefits for all,” he proclaimed.
Furthermore, he emphasized that the Code of Conduct for the South China Sea, currently under negotiation by Asean states and China, “must be effective and aligned with UNCLOS.” He added that it should also take into account the interests of nations not directly involved in the discussions.
Modi concluded his address by highlighting the pivotal role played by the East Asia Summit as a leaders-led mechanism for cooperation on strategic matters in the Indo-Pacific, serving as a primary confidence-building mechanism in Asia.
In an era marked by complex global dynamics, Prime Minister Modi’s call for a rules-based world order and commitment to peaceful dialogue carries substantial weight, offering a vision of stability and cooperation in the region and beyond.