Fri Oct 11 08:03:15 UTC 2024: ## Modi Calls for Peace and Rules-Based Indo-Pacific at East Asia Summit

**Vientiane, Laos:** Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on a two-day visit to Laos, met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit. Modi expressed condolences for the victims of Hurricane Milton in the United States.

During his address at the 19th East Asia Summit, PM Modi stressed the importance of peace and stability in Eurasia and the Middle East. He emphasized that solutions to global problems cannot be found on the battlefield and advocated for a free, open, inclusive, prosperous, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.

Referring to China’s activities in the South China Sea, PM Modi called for maritime activities to be conducted under the UN Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS). He stressed the need for freedom of navigation and airspace, advocating for a strong and effective Code of Conduct that does not limit the foreign policies of regional nations.

Prior to the East Asia Summit, PM Modi participated in the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and met with several world leaders. He held a productive meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, focusing on enhancing cooperation in areas like infrastructure, connectivity, and defense. PM Modi also met with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, discussing bilateral relations.

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