At the 11th ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) held in Vientiane, Laos on 21 November 2024, Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh expressed India’s commitment to upholding international norms, strengthening regional security and enhancing cooperation among countries. reaffirmed. Nations face increasing global challenges.

The Indo-Pacific, a vital region in terms of global trade and security, has been experiencing increasing geopolitical tensions in recent years. Amidst these challenges, Singh reiterated: India‘s stance on the importance of a rules-based framework. This includes fundamental principles such as freedom of navigation, unimpeded legal trade and adherence to international law. India strongly believes that regional stability can be achieved only if all nations abide by established rules, especially with regard to maritime disputes.

He noted that India supports the establishment of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea that is fully in line with international law, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and ensures the protection of the rights and interests of all nations. Those who are not directly involved in discussions are respected.

In his speech, attention was also drawn to the ongoing global struggles that threaten international peace and order. The minister spoke of the increasing polarization of the world into rival blocs and the increasing pressure on established global systems. In this context, Singh appealed to the international community to adopt the Buddhist principles of peaceful co-existence that have long guided India’s foreign policy. Deeply rooted in the history and culture of Southeast Asia, particularly Laos, these principles emphasize the importance of nonviolence and dialogue in resolving disputes. Singh suggested that these values ​​could help bridge divisions and lay the foundation for a more cooperative and peaceful world order.

India’s approach to international diplomacy is based on dialogue. Singh reminded the forum that India has consistently advocated peaceful negotiations as a way to resolve conflicts, whether border disputes, regional tensions or related to global trade. India’s foreign policy is built on the belief that open communication promotes mutual understanding and trust. The success of India’s diplomatic engagement is evident in its long-standing relations with neighboring countries and its active role in global forums such as the United Nations.

Singh noted that the 21st century is widely considered the “Asian Century”, with the ASEAN region playing an important role in shaping global economic and political dynamics. As a close partner of ASEAN, India has continuously worked to strengthen ties with Southeast Asian countries. India has sought to strengthen economic, security and cultural ties with the region through initiatives such as the “Act East” policy. As the defense minister noted, India’s ties with ASEAN are not only new but also have deep historical roots. Quoting Rabindranath Tagore’s thoughts during his visit to Southeast Asia in 1927, Singh said – “I could see India everywhere, but I could not recognize it” – underlining the age-old cultural and historical links connecting India and Southeast Asia.

Singh also touched on a pressing concern for the global community: climate change and its increasing impact on international security. He noted the increasing frequency of natural disasters and their far-reaching consequences, including threats to defense infrastructure. Recognizing the critical need for comprehensive action, he called for ADMM-Plus to deepen its understanding of the links between climate change and security. This may include the development of a defense strategy that focuses on resilience to climate change and includes multi-stakeholder engagement to protect vulnerable populations and critical infrastructure.

Finally, Singh spoke about the Global Commons, which are shared natural resources such as oceans, air and biodiversity that are essential for human survival and global prosperity. He emphasized the importance of managing these resources in a fair and equitable manner, avoiding unilateral actions that could destabilize the region. Singh argued that protecting the Global Commons is crucial to ensuring sustainability. life Maintaining long-term peace and stability on Earth.

The 11th ADMM-Plus forum, which includes ASEAN members, Plus countries and Timor Leste, serves as an important platform to promote regional security and cooperation. As Singh puts it, India’s commitment to a rules-based international order is vital not only in addressing pressing security challenges but also in laying the foundations for a more peaceful, cooperative and prosperous future in the Indo-Pacific and beyond .

India’s consistent message at ADMM-Plus, emphasizing dialogue, respect for international law and shared responsibility, underscores its role as a key proponent of a stable global order. India continues to play an important role in shaping a peaceful and prosperous world by building strong, cooperative relationships and promoting the principles of fairness and justice.