PM Modi: “Solutions to problems cannot come from the battlefield”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 11 called for peace and stability in conflict zones such as the Middle East and Eurasia, saying that nations of the Global South were the most adversely affected owing to military aggression anywhere in the world.

PM Modi was speaking at the 19th East Asia Summit in Vientiane, the capital city of Lao PDR or Laos.

“I come from the land of Buddha and I have repeatedly stated that this is not the era of war. Solutions to problems cannot come from the battlefield,” said Modi.

PM Modi reiterated India’s role as Vishwabandhu, or Friend to the World, he assured that the nation would always work at upholding global peace and security, adding that countries of the Global South were the most adversely affected owing to military aggression anywhere in the world. The observation is pertinent considering ongoing geopolitical tensions such as Russia’s attack on Ukraine in the Eurasian region and the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Middle East that has been aggravated by Iran’s recent attack on Israel.

He began his address paying condolences to those affected by Typhoon Yagi, the cyclone that devastated South China and Southeast Asia in September 2024. “During this challenging time, we have provided humanitarian assistance through Operation Sadbhav,” he said.

At a time when China has been flexing maritime muscle in the South China Sea, PM Modi noted that maritime activities should be conducted in accordance to the guidelines of the United Nations.

“We believe that maritime activities should be conducted in accordance with UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea). Ensuring freedom of navigation and airspace is essential. A robust and effective Code of Conduct should be developed. And, it should not impose restrictions on the foreign policies of regional countries,” he said, adding: “Our approach should focus on development and not expansionism.”

International laws, sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected, said Modi, and every nation “must place a strong emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy”.

The Indian Prime Minister also spoke of the need for all nations to maintain harmony in the areas of cyber, maritime and space.

“And, we must strengthen mutual cooperation in the areas of cyber, maritime, and space,” he noted.

Upholding the importance of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), PM Modi said the organisation was key to progress of the India’s Indo-Pacific vision.

“We endorse ASEAN’s approach to the situation in Myanmar and support the Five-Point Consensus. Furthermore, we believe it is crucial to sustain humanitarian assistance and implement suitable measures for the restoration of democracy,” Modi said, adding: “We believe that Myanmar should be engaged rather than isolated in this process.”

The Prime Minister also invited the participant nations at the meet to upcoming education conclave to be held in Nalanda, Bihar, mentioning how Nalanda’s revival was a commitment made at the East Asia Summit.

“This June, we fulfilled that commitment by inaugurating the new campus of Nalanda University. I invite all the countries present here to participate in the 'Heads of Higher Education Conclave' to be held at Nalanda,” Modi said.

He congratulated the Prime Minister of Lao PDR, Sonexay Siphandone, for the excellent organisation of the summit, and extended his best wishes to Malaysia, the next venue.

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone for the excellent organisation of today's summit. I extend my best wishes to Malaysia as the next Chair and assure them of India’s full support for a successful presidency,” Modi said.