The joint statement unveiled at the end of the 21st Asean-India summit in Vientiane, Laos, ticked off all the boxes with the unnamed China as the invisible elephant in the room. Note Philippine President Marcos quiet plea at the summit:
“We continue to be subjected to harassment and intimidation. Parties must be earnestly open to seriously managing differences to reduce tensions.”
Prime Minister Modi who met Marcos, called for respect for “each other’s national integrity and sovereignty,” comments that were heavy with meaning.
The joint statement underscored the importance of “maintaining and promoting peace, stability, maritime safety and security, freedom of navigation and overflight in the region and other lawful uses of the seas, including unimpeded lawful maritime commerce and to promote peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law including the 1982 UNCLOS.”
It “looked forward to early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, that is in accordance with international law including the 1982 UNCLOS.”
China has disregarded UNCLOS even though it is a signatory to the treaty., and pressed on with aggressive and intimidatory tactics in the South China Sea against the Philippines. As for the Code of Conduct, it was floated in 2002 but talks began only in 2017 and have progressed very slowly.
Prime Minister Modi unveiled a 10-point plan at the summit. Much of the focus of the plan was on “feel good” issues such as celebrating next year as the Asean-India Year of Tourism with Delhi contributing $5 million for joint activities, a Youth Summit, Hackathon and a Music Festival.
But as one went down the list, more serious points came up. Review of the Asean-India Trade in Goods Agreement by 2025, important from Delhi’s point of view given the growing deficit. Asean has been reluctant to commit to a review and it’s not clear how India can persuade the community to address its concerns.
A Cyber Policy Dialogue with Asean to strengthen digital and cyber resilience. Also a workshop on Green Hydrogen. An Asean-India Women Scientists Conclave will be organised under the Asean-India Science & Technology Fund. Modi said India would commit $5 million for enhancing disaster resilience.
“I believe the 21st century is the Asian Century,” he said, “A century for India and Asean. Today when there is conflict and tension in many parts of the world, the friendship, coordination, dialogue and cooperation between India and Asean are of utmost importance.”
The joint statement called for cooperation in “emerging technologies including AI, Blockchain, Robotics, Internet of Things, Quantum Computing, 6-G technology, building and strengthening of startups with emphasis on digital connectivity and financial technology.”
