Addressing the East Asia Summit in Vietnam on 10 October, Prime Minister Narendra Modi drew attention to the adverse impact of ongoing global conflicts on nations in the Global South. He stressed the need for immediate action to restore peace and stability in regions such as Eurasia and West Asia, noting that these conflicts disproportionately affect developing countries. “The Global South is facing the most severe consequences of global conflicts,” he stated, urging a focus on humanitarian efforts through dialogue and diplomacy while emphasizing the importance of respecting sovereignty and international laws.
Modi also advocated for maintaining a rule-based order in the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing the need for maritime activities to comply with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to protect freedom of navigation and overflight. He remarked, “Peace, security, and stability in the South China Sea are crucial for the entire Indo-Pacific region,” reiterating that an open, inclusive, and rule-based Indo-Pacific is essential for regional prosperity.
