Prime Minister Attended the 19th East Asia Summit (EAS)

October 12, 2024

On 11 October 2024, the Prime Minister of India took part in the 19th East Asia Summit (EAS) held in Vientiane, Lao PDR. His presence highlighted India’s dedication to working with other nations in the Indo-Pacific region, a vast area that includes the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

India’s Role in the Indo-Pacific

The Prime Minister emphasized the important part that ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) plays in shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific. He mentioned India’s vision for the region, known as the Pacific Vision, which focuses on collaboration with countries like the Quad nations (India, Australia, Japan, and the United States) to promote peace and cooperation in the region.

Act East Policy

The Prime Minister’s participation in the summit reflects India’s Act East Policy, a strategy aimed at improving relations with Southeast Asian countries. He stressed that having a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific—where everyone has the opportunity to grow and prosper—is key to promoting peace and prosperity for all.

The Prime Minister spoke about the similarities between India’s Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative and ASEAN’s Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. Both initiatives focus on development and cooperation rather than expansionism or domination. This reflects a shared approach to solving regional issues through collaboration.

Support for the East Asia Summit

The Prime Minister also reaffirmed India’s support for the East Asia Summit (EAS) mechanism. He acknowledged the backing from other member countries for Nalanda University, an ancient center of learning that India is reviving. The PM also extended an invitation for an upcoming Heads of Higher Education Conclave, which will further enhance educational cooperation.

Promoting Dialogue and Diplomacy

The Prime Minister emphasized that solving global conflicts, especially those affecting the Global South (developing countries), requires dialogue and humanitarian solutions, not military force. He stressed the importance of finding peaceful ways to resolve disputes and bring relief to those affected by conflicts.

The PM highlighted the serious threats the world faces today, such as terrorism and cybersecurity issues. He called for countries to work together to tackle these problems, ensuring global peace and security through collective efforts.

Expressions of Gratitude

The Prime Minister thanked the Prime Minister of Laos for hosting the summit and expressed support for Malaysia, which will serve as the new ASEAN Chair. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to working closely with ASEAN and other regional partners for mutual growth and collaboration.

About the East Asia Summit

The East Asia Summit (EAS) started in 2005 to improve cooperation between countries in the region. It includes 18 countries, such as the 10 ASEAN members along with India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. The summit focuses on topics like security, economic growth, and sustainable development, encouraging dialogue and collaboration among these nations rather than military conflict.

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