New Delhi. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said at the Regional Security Conference in Laos on Thursday that the world should adopt Buddhist principles to find solutions to the ongoing conflicts and challenges facing the international system. Singh, in the presence of his counterparts from several countries, including China’s Dong Jun, said at the conference that India has always advocated dialogue to resolve complex international issues and has resolved a wide range of international challenges, from border disputes to trade agreements. Has expressed his view regarding.
The Defense Minister made these remarks at the conference of the 10-nation ASEAN group and some of its dialogue partners in Vientiane, the capital of Laos. He said, “The world is increasingly getting divided into factions and camps, due to which the pressure on the established world order is increasing. Therefore, the time has come for all people to more deeply embrace the Buddhist principles of peaceful coexistence.” He said, “Adhering to these principles, India has always advocated and adopted dialogue to resolve complex international issues.” Defense Minister Singh said that India’s commitment to open dialogue and peaceful dialogue is evident from its approach to many international challenges, including border disputes.
“Open dialogue fosters trust, understanding and cooperation and lays the foundation for lasting partnerships,” he said at the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Defense Ministers’ Meeting ASEAN ‘Defense Ministers Meeting Plus’ (ADMM-Plus) grouping. Is. “The power of dialogue has always proven effective, producing concrete results that contribute to stability and harmony on the global stage.”
Outlining India’s perspective on the Indo-Pacific, the Defense Minister said that India recognizes the important role of the 10-nation ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) as the cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the region.
He said, “In relation to the ongoing discussions on a code of conduct for the South China Sea, India would like to see a code that does not adversely affect the legitimate rights and interests of those countries which are not parties to these discussions.” His comments on the code of conduct for the South China Sea come at a time when various countries are emphasizing the need for a code of conduct in this regard in the backdrop of China’s growing military power in the region. China strongly opposes this code of conduct.
Singh said, “This code should be in strict accordance with international law, especially the United Nations Law of the Sea 1982.” He said that India has been in favor of freedom of navigation and overflight, unimpeded lawful commerce and adherence to international law.
The South China Sea is a major source of hydrocarbons. There are growing concerns globally over China’s sweeping claims on the entire South China Sea. Many countries in the region, including Vietnam, Philippines and Brunei, also have their own claims on the South China Sea.
Highlighting India’s approach to complex challenges, Singh said he believes that real and long-term solutions to global problems can be achieved only when countries engage constructively, respect each other’s perspectives and Will work towards common goals in the spirit of cooperation.
He said, “We are meeting in Laos at a time when conflicts are continuing in different parts of the world and there are challenges before the international system. “Laos has long embraced the Buddhist principles of nonviolence and peace.” Singh argued that Buddhism provides the ideal idea not only of peaceful co-existence among people but also of co-existence of people with nature.
He said, “Buddha remained close to nature throughout his life. He often meditated in forests and open places and continued giving teachings. In his teachings he emphasized the interconnectedness of life with the earth.” The Defense Minister also highlighted India’s close ties with the ASEAN region and said that the 21st century is the ‘Century of Asia’.
He said, “The ASEAN region in particular has always been economically dynamic and has been full of trade, commerce and cultural activities for thousands of years. “India continues to be a trusted friend of the region during this transformative journey.” In this context, Singh also mentioned a statement of Rabindranath Tagore, which he said during his visit to South East Asia in 1927. Tagore had said, “I could see India everywhere, yet I could not recognize it.”
The Defense Minister said that this statement symbolizes how deep and wide the cultural and historical ties are between India and South East Asia. He said, “This friendship and partnership is as relevant today as it was then and there is a need to strengthen it further in the times to come.” He said, “India’s ‘Act East’ policy has completed a decade and we are seeing its benefits in strengthening India’s relations with ASEAN and Indo-Pacific countries. This vision reasserts the important role of ASEAN as the basis of our nation’s policy. Emphasized.” In the wake of natural disasters wreaking havoc in different parts of the world, Singh said it is a reminder of the dangers of climate change.
He said, “Strengthening climate change resilience in the defense sector requires multi-stakeholder engagement, from developing innovative solutions to managing the adverse impacts of climate change.” Singh said, “This includes the protection of the vulnerable population as well as the security of our defense establishments.” Singh began his three-day visit to Vientiane on Wednesday primarily to attend the ‘ADMM-Plus’ meeting.
The Defense Minister also highlighted the need to deepen the understanding of the relationship between climate change and security threats.
‘ADMM-Plus’ is a platform comprising the 10 ASEAN countries and its eight dialogue partners – India, China, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia and the US. Laos is hosting this meeting as the current Chair of ADMM-Plus.