NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at the 19th East Asia Summit on Friday, called for global peace and stability and said, “This is not the era of war. Solutions to problems cannot come from the battlefield.”
He noted the severe impact that ongoing conflicts, particularly in Eurasia and West Asia, are having on the Global South, urging for immediate action to address these challenges.
Referring to India’s heritage as the “land of Buddha,” PM Modi stressed the importance of respecting sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international laws.
“Keeping a humanitarian approach, dialogue and diplomacy will have to be given priority,” he said. The Prime Minister reiterated India’s commitment to global peace efforts, affirming, “Fulfilling the responsibility of Vishwabhadhu, India will continue to contribute in every possible way in this direction.”
PM Modi addressed the issue of terrorism and described it as a “serious challenge to global peace and security.”
He called for global unity, stating, “To face it, forces believing in humanity will have to work together.” He also emphasised the need for enhanced cooperation in cyber, maritime, and space sectors to ensure collective security and progress.
Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the summit in Vientiane, PM Modi met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. During their interaction, PM Modi extended condolences over the loss of at least 14 lives in the United States due to Hurricane Milton since Wednesday.
PM Modi is currently on a two-day visit to Laos, where he participated in the 21st ASEAN-India Summit on Thursday and attended the East Asia Summit today.
His visit holds special significance as it marks a decade of India’s Act East Policy.
Sharing details of the visit, Indian Ambassador to Laos, Jaiswal, noted, “PM Modi has arrived in Vientiane, the capital of Laos. At the airport, he was received by senior ministers of the Laos government and accorded a ceremonial welcome but what was truly special was the warm and very significant, meaningful welcome that he received at the hotel.”
Upon his arrival, the Prime Minister was greeted by Laos’ Minister of Home Affairs, Vilayvong Bouddakham, and was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour. 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. PM Modi also witnessed a performance of the Lao Ramayan, known as Phalak Phalam, by the Royal Theatre of Luang Prabang. The Ramayan, along with other aspects of Indian culture, continues to be celebrated and preserved in Laos for centuries.
Sharing photos of the performance on X, PM Modi wrote, “Vijaya Dashami is a few days away, and today in Lao PDR, I saw a part of the Lao Ramayana, highlighting the victory of Prabhu Shri Ram over Ravan. It is heartening to see the people here remain in touch with the Ramayan. May the blessings of Prabhu Shri Ram always remain upon us!”
India and Laos share historical and cultural links, reflected in their common heritage of Buddhism and the Ramayana. The two countries established bilateral relations in 1956, and their ties remain friendly.
