Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reiterated that India stands for freedom of navigation and overflight, unimpeded lawful commerce and adherence to international law for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, while addressing the 11th ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus forum at Vientiane, Lao PDR.
Sharing his insights on the discussions on the Code of Conduct, the defence minister said India would like to see a code that does not prejudice the legitimate rights and interests of nations which are not party to these deliberations. The code should be fully consistent with international law, in particular the UN Convention Law of Sea 1982, he added.
He said it is “providential” that the 11th ADMM-Plus is being held in Lao PDR, which has internalised the Buddhist principles of non-violence and peace. Observing that the world is increasingly getting polarised into blocks and camps, leading to increasing strain on the established world order, he urged that the Buddhist doctrines of peaceful co-existence be embraced more closely by all.
“India has always advocated and practiced dialogue for resolving complex international issues. This commitment to open communication and peaceful negotiation is evident in India’s approach to a wide range of international challenges, from border disputes to trade agreements. An open dialogue promotes trust, understanding, and cooperation, laying the foundation for sustainable partnerships....India believes that genuine, long-term solutions to global problems can only be achieved when nations engage constructively, respecting each other’s perspectives and working toward shared goals in the spirit of cooperation,” he said.
Describing 21st century as the ‘Asian Century’, Raksha Mantri said the ASEAN region, in particular, has always been economically dynamic and bustling with trade, commerce and cultural activities and added that through this transformational journey, India has remained a trusted friend of the region.
Singh pointed out that the dividends of India's Act East policy are paying out in the strengthening of India’s ties with ASEAN and Indo-pacific nations. This vision re-emphasised the pivotal role of ASEAN as a cornerstone of the nation’s policy, he added.
He complimented the chair for choosing the most relevant topic in today’s scenario for the 11th ADMM-Plus Joint statement. “Strengthening resilience to climate change in the defence domain requires multi-stakeholder engagement, from developing innovative solutions to managing the adverse impacts of climate change. This includes protecting vulnerable populations as well as safeguarding our defence installations,” he added.
Singh drew attention to the Global Commons—the shared natural resources and ecosystems essential to sustaining life and bringing prosperity on the planet— and underscored the need to safeguard these Global Commons in a just and balanced manner by not resorting to unilateral actions. These resources provide invaluable ecological, economic, and social benefits that extend beyond national boundaries, he said.