Summit to discuss challenges to peace in East Asia: Prime Minister Modi | Foreign Defense Security News

He added: “The East Asia Summit will be an opportunity to discuss the challenges of peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. “We share close cultural and civilizational ties with the region, including the Lao PDR, which is enriched by the common traditions of Buddhism and the Ramayana.”

Prime Minister Modi said he looked forward to meeting Lao leaders to further strengthen bilateral ties and expressed confidence that the visit would deepen relations with ASEAN countries.

In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said, “I am leaving for Lao PDR to attend the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit. This is a special year as we celebrate a decade of our 'Act for the East' policy which led to our visit will be of great benefit to the nation and will include various bilateral meetings and exchanges with various world leaders.”

In a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also said, “India Eastern Policy Act: A decade-old commitment goes strong! Prime Minister @narendramodi embarks on a two-day visit to Laos to attend the 21st ASEAN-India Forum and 19th East Asia Summit.”

Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs Jaideep Majumder emphasized that India attaches great importance to all ASEAN-related processes and emphasized that the meeting will determine the future trajectory of India-ASEAN relations.

Addressing a special press conference in connection with Prime Minister Modi's visit to Laos on Wednesday, Majumdar said, “Prime Minister Modi will visit Vientiane, Lao PDR, Lao PDR on the invitation of the Prime Minister to the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and 19th East Asia Summit, Siphandon 10 and 11 at Sonex in October will be more than we focus on all ASEAN-related measures.

Highlighting the importance of the meeting, Majumdar further said, “This special summit will be significant as it marks the 10th anniversary of the Eastern Policy adopted by the Prime Minister under the Act. The Prime Minister will review progress in India-ASEAN relations with other Heads of State and ASEAN Governments and he will set the future direction of our relationship.”

The MEA official further emphasized support for the theme of 'Connectivity and Resilience' and stated that connectivity is a very important pillar of New Delhi's engagement with ASEAN.

“We will expand our support for the theme of Connectivity and Resilience… Connectivity is a very important pillar of our engagement with ASEAN. 20 percent of the Indian diaspora around the world lives in ASEAN countries” – MEA Secretary, Dr.

He added: “We have direct flights with seven ASEAN countries. We hope to have direct air connections with two more ASEAN countries before the end of the year… ASEAN is one of our major trade and investment partners for India. “

In his speech at the East Asia Summit, Majumder said the East Asia Summit process aims to promote peace, stability and prosperity in the region. Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Russia and the United States will also participate as observers.”

“This process has been going on since 2005. It aims to build strategic trust in the region, promote peace, stability and prosperity in the region,” he said.

He added: “During the East Asia Summit, the Prime Minister announced the Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative (IPOI)… We are working closely with ASEAN countries on this issue. Three ASEAN countries – Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore and three ASEAN countries – Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore East Asian partners – USA, Australia and Japan are our partners in IPOI.”

The MEA official added that the revival of Nalanda University in Bihar is also an initiative of the East Asia Summit. For example: “The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University.”

Majumdar also informed about Prime Minister Modi's bilateral meeting in the upcoming summit.

“The Prime Minister will hold a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Laos PDR. We have very close, friendly, historical and cultural relations with Laos PDR.”

The ASEAN-India Summit will review progress in India-ASEAN relations under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and chart future directions for cooperation.

The East Asia Summit contributes to building an environment of strategic trust in the region and provides an opportunity for leaders of EAS participating countries, including India, to exchange views on issues of regional importance.