In Obama & Li presence, Modi demands sanctions on Pakistan

Addressing the 11th East Asia Summit at Vientiane in Laos on Thursday, Modi said the time has come to isolate and sanction this global instigator and exporter of terror. He said, there is one country in our neighbourhood whose competitive advantage rests solely in “producing and exporting terrorism.”

Earlier, while addressing the 14th ASEAN-India Summit here, Modi had expressed deep concern at the rising “export of terror”, in an apparent reference to Pakistan, saying it is a common security threat to the region. Speaking at the East Asia Summit on Thursday with US President Barack Obama and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in attendance, Modi said, “This (terrorism) export is reducing space for peace and increasing space for violence and putting at risk peace and prosperity of all.” 

The summit is being attended by leaders of 10 ASEAN members and 8 other countries including India, China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and the US. 

Meanwhile, the summit adopted a statement on non-proliferation. Prime Minister said India remains committed through membership of export control regimes and to pursue the total and verifiable elimination of weapons of mass destruction. He also said India is committed to supporting realization of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). He added that India can also play important role in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) for deepening ongoing eco-integration in the region.

Modi said that the world has to be mindful of Common security challenges. He announced that India will organize the 2nd East Asia Summit Conference on Maritime security and cooperation later this year. Prime Minister also reiterated country’s position on the South China Sea issue. He said India urges all parties to show the utmost respect for the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).