Against the backdrop of China’s assertive actions on territorial disputes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Thursday that the Asian century requires the creation of a rules-based post-Covid-19 world order and that joint efforts are required to strengthen the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries. Modi was speaking in the context of China’s actions regarding territorial disputes.
The comments were made by PM Modi while he was attending the Asean-India Summit and the East Asia Summit in the capital of Indonesia, Jakarta. These remarks came only days after Beijing unveiled a “standard map” that included large portions of the territory of other countries under China’s borders. A number of countries, including Taiwan, India, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, have voiced their opposition to the Chinese map.
Modi presented a 12-point plan to strengthen collaboration with the 10 nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) during the Asean-India Summit. During the meeting, Modi stated that the two parties share a common goal in guaranteeing a free and open Indo-Pacific region as well as amplifying the voices of people living in the Global South. He stated that India is committed to working with all of the other Asean nations to attain these goals.
Asia will be the dominant continent in the 21st century. This century belongs to us. “This requires the creation of a rules-based post-Covid world order as well as everyone’s effort for human welfare,” he remarked while speaking in Hindi at the Asean-India Summit.
During his speech at the East Asia Summit (EAS), which was also attended by the Premier of China, Li Qiang, Modi delivered remarks that were more direct. EAS brings together the member states of ASEAN and eight dialogue partners, some of which include the United States, China, Japan, and Russia.
According to what Prime Minister Modi told the EAS, “it is imperative to adhere fully to international laws,” and “the commitment and joint efforts of everyone are also necessary to strengthen the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries.”
“As I have stated in the past, the current age is not one of conflict. Once more speaking in Hindi, he continued by saying that the only way to reach a resolution is through dialogue and diplomacy.
Multilateralism and a global system that is built on norms are crucial for addressing threats such as terrorism, extremism, and geopolitical conflicts in a global landscape that is surrounded by uncertainty, as Modi explained to the EAS.
“The need of the hour is an Indo-Pacific where international law, including UNCLOS, applies equally to all countries; where there is freedom of navigation and overflight; and where there is unimpeded lawful commerce for the benefit of all,” he said. “The need of the hour is an Indo-Pacific where there is freedom of navigation and overflight.”
Further, Modi stated that the Code of Conduct for the South China Sea that is now being discussed by Asean governments and China “should be effective and in accordance with UNCLOS.” UNCLOS is the abbreviation for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. “Additionally, it should take into consideration the interests of countries that are not directly involved in the discussions,” he continued. “This is something that should be done.”
He explained that the EAS is the only forum for collaboration on strategic problems in the Indo-Pacific that is directed by leaders, and that it also has a “pivotal role as the primary confidence-building mechanism in Asia.”
Because of a protracted military standoff on the Line of Actual Control (LAC), ties between India and China are currently at their lowest point in the last sixty years. The President of China, Xi Jinping, has made the decision to abstain from attending the G20 Summit that will be held by India this coming weekend. Instead, Premier Li will be representing Beijing at the meeting.
The Chinese government’s “standard map” included Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh, which prompted a strong objection from the Indian government, which stated that such actions will “only complicate the resolution of the boundary question.”
At both summits, Prime Minister Modi stressed how important the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) is to India’s Act East policy and vision for the Indo-Pacific region. According to him, India and the 10 states that make up the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) are linked through history and geography, common values, peace and prosperity, and a shared conviction in a multipolar world.
He went on to say that the vision of the Quad places Asean in a pivotal role, and that the constructive agenda of the Quad complements the diverse processes of Asean.
India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) upgraded their connection to that of a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2022. India maintains robust economic and security links with several ASEAN member states, including Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
Modi also brought up India’s policy on Myanmar, telling the EAS that it takes into consideration the views of Asean while simultaneously guaranteeing peace and security on the borders and strengthening connectivity between India and Asean.
The 12-point plan that was launched by Modi for enhancing Asean-India collaboration encompasses a wide variety of topics, including counter-terrorism as well as connectivity and digital public infrastructure (DPI). The plan calls for the creation of a multi-modal connection network as well as an economic corridor that unites Europe, West Asia, Southeast Asia, and India.
In accordance with the strategy, India announced the establishment of a “Asean-India fund for digital future” and offered to share its knowledge in DPI with the partners of ASEAN. In addition to this, the Indian side indicated that they will continue to provide financial assistance to the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA).
The Indian side advocated for collectively bringing up concerns affecting the Global South at multilateral forums and promised to share the country’s expertise in supplying medications that are both affordable and of high quality through the Jan-Aushadhi Kendras.
In addition to this, it urged international cooperation in the management of disasters, the fight against terrorism, the funding of terrorism, and cyber misinformation, as well as the strengthening of international collaboration in maritime safety and security and domain awareness.
Traditional medicine, India’s Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) are some of the additional measures that are incorporated into the strategy.
The decision to open an embassy in Dili, which is the capital and largest city of Timor-Leste, was announced by Modi of India during the Asean-India Summit. The Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, Xanana Gusmo, represented his country at the summit in an observer capacity.
After attending the two summits, which were being organised back-to-back by host Indonesia at the request of India because New Delhi will host the G20 Summit over the weekend, Modi finished his brief visit to Jakarta. The two summits were being organised back-to-back because New Delhi will host the G20 Summit over the weekend. In the days leading up to the summits, Prime Minister Modi did not participate in any bilateral discussions.
