In a speech at the East Asia Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need for joint efforts to strengthen the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, particularly in the face of China's military assertiveness in the South China Sea. Modi called for an effective and UNCLOS-compliant Code of Conduct for the region, stating that all countries in the Indo-Pacific have an interest in peace, security, and prosperity. He stressed that the current era is one of dialogue and diplomacy, not war. Modi's comments come in the wake of mounting global concerns over China's increasing military activities in the South China Sea.

Modi's call for joint efforts and commitment to international laws reflects India's position on the issue. Recently, several ASEAN member countries, including Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, strongly objected to China's territorial claims in the South China Sea, as shown in the latest edition of China's standard map. India has also rejected the map and lodged a formal protest with China. The East Asia Summit, which includes ASEAN member states, India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Russia, plays a significant role in addressing security and defense issues in the Asia-Pacific region.

The summit's leaders reaffirmed their commitment to an open, transparent, and inclusive regional architecture, based on international law and guided by the principles and objectives of ASEAN. India believes that the Code of Conduct for the South China Sea should comply with UNCLOS and take into account the interests of countries that are not directly involved in the discussions. According to Modi, an Indo-Pacific region where international law is equally applicable to all countries, with freedom of navigation and unimpeded lawful commerce, is necessary for the benefit of everyone.

Modi also mentioned India's policy towards Myanmar, considering ASEAN's views. India aims to ensure peace and security along its borders and enhance connectivity with ASEAN, highlighting the importance of peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. In addition to addressing the South China Sea issue, Modi emphasized the challenges faced by developing countries, such as climate change, cybersecurity, food security, health, and energy. He mentioned that during India's G20 presidency, these issues would be a focus, particularly for the Global South. Overall, Modi's speech underscored India's commitment to international laws and its desire for a peaceful and secure Indo-Pacific region. By urging joint efforts and effective codes of conduct, he highlighted the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving conflicts and ensuring the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations.