India
‘This is not the era of war,’ says PM Modi at 19th East Asia Summit, calling for global peace and cooperation | India News – Times of India
He noted the serious impact that ongoing conflicts, particularly in Eurasia and West Asia, are having on the South, and urged immediate action to address these challenges.
Referring to India’s heritage as the ‘land of Buddha’, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of respecting sovereignty, territorial integrity and international laws.
“Maintaining a humanitarian approach, dialogue and diplomacy will have to be a priority,” he said. Reiterating India’s commitment to global peace efforts, the Prime Minister affirmed, “India will fulfill the responsibility of Vishwabhadhu and continue to contribute in this direction in all possible ways.”
Prime Minister Modi discussed the issue of terrorism and described it as a ‘serious challenge to global peace and security’.
Calling for global unity, he said: “To face this, the forces that believe in humanity will have to work together.” He also emphasized the need for closer cooperation in the cyber, maritime and space sectors to ensure collective security and progress.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of the summit in Vientiane. During their interaction, Prime Minister Modi expressed condolences over the loss of at least 14 lives in the United States due to Cyclone Milton since Wednesday.
Prime Minister Modi is currently on a two-day visit Laoswhere he participated in the 21st ASEAN-India Summit on Thursday and attended the East Asia Summit today.
His visit has special significance as it marks a decade of India’s Act East policy.
Sharing the details of the visit, Indian Ambassador to Laos Jaiswal noted, “Prime Minister Modi has arrived in Vientiane, the capital of Laos. At the airport he was received by senior ministers of the Laos government and given a ceremonial welcome, but what was really special was the warm and very meaningful welcome he received at the hotel.”
Upon his arrival, the Prime Minister was greeted by Laos Interior Minister Vilayvong Bouddakham and given a ceremonial guard of honor. He also interacted with the Indian diaspora, who gathered outside his hotel in Vientiane to welcome him.
Several prominent figures, including the Minister of Education and Sports, the Governor of the Bank of Laos and the Mayor of Vientiane, were present to receive him. Prime Minister Modi also witnessed a performance of the Lao Ramayan, known as Phalak Phalam, by the Royal Theater of Luang Prabang. The Ramayan, along with other aspects of Indian culture, has been celebrated and preserved in Laos for centuries.
PM Modi shared pictures of the performance on to see See that the people here remain in touch with the Ramayan. May the blessings of Prabhu Shri Ram be upon us always!’
India and Laos share historical and cultural ties, reflected in their common heritage of Buddhism and the Ramayana. The two countries established bilateral relations in 1956 and their ties remain friendly.
