Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, while acknowledging the security cooperation between India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries, called for even greater collaboration in that sector, adding that progress and prosperity depends on peace in the region.
"We have received a high level of security cooperation from ASEAN countries for which I am grateful. But, we should further strengthen our cooperation on countering terrorism, extremism, drugs, arms, and money laundering. Asia's future is bright, but it also faces many challenges. Our progress and prosperity depends on peace and stability in the region," the Prime Minister said while addressing the 12th India-ASEAN Summit here.
"There is wave of change in the world. New realities are emerging in the changed world. Globalisation is a fact of life. We are all affected by it and we have all benefited from it. And, in this world, maritime trade and passage, and therefore, maritime security has become even more important. We all have the responsibility that we all follow international law and norms on maritime issues, as we do in the realm of air passage. In future, we will also need this in space," he added.
Speaking specifically of instances that have occurred in the South China Sea, Prime Minister Modi said that all the concerned parties should follow international laws.
"For peace and stability in South China Sea, everyone should follow international norms and law. This includes the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. We also hope that you will be able to successfully implement the Guidelines to the 2002 Declaration on Conduct and that the Code of Conduct on South China Sea can be concluded soon on the basis of consensus," he said.
Speaking of tourism, the Prime Minister also called for an increase in that sector, pointing to India's Buddhist heritage.
"Tourism has not grown the way it should. Today, of course, ASEAN region is the most popular destination for Indian tourists. I want to see further increase in ASEAN tourists in India. In this, the Buddhist circuit represents a vast opportunity," he said. rime Minister Modi is in Myanmar as part of his 10-day trip to three nations. During his trip, he also scheduled to participate in the East Asia Summit (EAS) here and the G-20 Summit in Brisbane.