New Delhi, November 21 (IANS). Defense Minister Rajnath Singh stressed the Buddhist principle of peaceful co-existence at the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ meeting in Laos on Thursday. He said that open dialogue promotes trust, understanding and cooperation.
Addressing the 11th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus Forum in Vientiane, the Defense Minister said, “The Buddhist principle of peaceful co-existence should be more closely adopted by all countries. The world is increasingly divided into blocks and camps. “, which is increasing pressure on the established world order.”
Rajnath Singh said that India is in favor of freedom of navigation and overflight, unimpeded lawful commerce and adherence to international law for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Defense Minister said, “India has always advocated dialogue to resolve complex international issues and has done so.” He said that open dialogue promotes trust, understanding and cooperation and lays the foundation for lasting partnerships.
Rajnath Singh said, “The power of dialogue has always proven effective, producing concrete results. India believes that real, long-term solutions to global problems can be achieved only when countries engage constructively, Respect each other’s viewpoints and work toward common goals in a spirit of cooperation.”
Describing the 21st century as the ‘Asian century’, the Defense Minister said that the ASEAN region in particular has always been economically dynamic and full of trade, commerce and cultural activities. He said that India remains a reliable friend of the region during this transformational journey.
Referring to a quote by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore during his visit to South East Asia in 1927, the Defense Minister said that ‘I could see India everywhere, yet I could not recognize it’, a statement that reflects India and the South It symbolizes the deep and extensive cultural and historical ties between East Asia.
–IANS
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