Emphasising that the Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC) passing through the South China Sea are crucial for peace, stability, prosperity, and development of the Indo-Pacific Region, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar has called for a substantive and effective Code of Conduct to address the issue.
 
Speaking at the 14th East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministerial Meeting in Vientiane, Laos, on Saturday (July 27, 2024), he said, “SLOC passing through the South China Sea are critical for peace, stability, prosperity and development of the Indo-Pacific Region.
 
According to him, the Code of Conduct in this regard should be “substantive and effective, consistent with international law and should not prejudice legitimate rights and interest of nations not party to discussions”.

India’s Clear Stand on Myanmar, Gaza, and Ukraine
 
On Myanmar, India’s bilateral efforts are in tandem with ASEAN, designed to engage all stakeholders, EAM Jaishankar stated. “India’s focus is on ensuring border security, countering trans-national crime, mitigating violence and advancing connectivity projects. Our endeavours are mutually supportive in order to restore democracy,” he said.
 
He also called for de-escalation and restraint in Gaza, adding that India continues to extend humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine. “Attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea are concerning. India is independently contributing to ensuring the safety and security of maritime shipping,” he pointed out.

On the conflict in Ukraine, EAM Jaishankar maintained the importance of dialogue and diplomacy. “Prime Minister Modi recently engaged President Putin and President Zelenskyy. India stands ready to contribute in any manner possible,” he added.
 
During the course of his address, he noted that the East Asia Summit is crucial in bringing nations together at a time when differences are sharp and interests are diverse. “India will always stand firm in its commitment to the EAS process,” he stated.
 
The EAS process completes two decades next year, EAM Jaishankar noted, adding that India will contribute towards strengthening it. On the other hand, India’s Act East Policy, announced at the 9th EAS, completes a decade. “India will continue to uphold ASEAN unity and centrality through our Act East Policy,” he emphasised. 

According to EAM Jaishankar, India remains a steadfast supporter of AOIP and appreciates its convergence with IPOI and encourages more EAS members to join IPOI. India has consistently contributed towards the EAS Plan of Action and this was reflected in the EAS Conference on Maritime Security and Cooperation held in Mumbai, he pointed out. 
 
He also described Nalanda University is a realisation of an important commitment to EAS. Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the institution’s new campus in Rajgir, Bihar on June 19, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the revival of one of the world’s oldest centres of learning. 
 
Nalanda University is conceived as a collaboration between India and East Asia Summit (EAS) countries, reflecting India’s Act East policy and its commitment to regional cooperation.