India supports uninterrupted commerce, says PM Modi in ASEAN

Vientiane: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday, said that India was committed to realisation of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and could play an important role in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) to deepen the ongoing economic integration. “India supports freedom of navigation over flight and uninterrupted commerce based on principles of international law,” said Modi. The Indian PM while addressing the global leaders at the 11^th East Asia Summit appreciated Laos for the arrangements and stated that ASEAN member countries can together lead the world to greater regional integration and cooperation.

"Competing geo-politics, traditional and non-traditional challenges threaten peace, stability and prosperity of region. We expect that ASEAN will continue to lead and remain central to efforts aimed at greater regional integration and cooperation," said the PM.

Targeting on the terrorism spreading The Indian PM also said, "the time has come for us to stop the Global Exporter of Terror

The Prime Minister also conveyed that the Nalanda University of India has been inscribed as World Heritage site in UNESCO.

PM Modi concluded his speech with an invite to the ASEAN member countries to India, as Guest of Honour, to attend the International Buddhist Conclave in October.

"India is willing to march with ASEAN to fulfil promise and potential of our strategic engagement," He said in his concluding remark.

Also read: PM Modi meets Barack Obama in White House on Thursday