Prime Minister participated in the 19th East Asia Summit, highlighting ASEAN’s pivotal role in the Indo-Pacific regional architecture. In his address, the PM emphasized ASEAN’s importance in India’s Indo-Pacific Vision and Quad cooperation, noting the alignment between India’s Indo-Pacific Ocean’s Initiative and ASEAN’s Outlook on the region.
Stressing the need for a development-based approach rather than expansionism, he reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening the EAS mechanism. The PM invited EAS nations to the upcoming Heads of Higher Education Conclave at Nalanda University, linking it to regional cooperation.
Leaders also discussed global and regional challenges, including terrorism, cyber threats, and maritime security, with the PM advocating for diplomacy and dialogue as solutions for conflicts, particularly those impacting the Global South. He thanked the Lao PDR for hosting the summit and extended India’s support to Malaysia as the new ASEAN Chair.
