PM Modi, Japan PM Express Concern Over East, South China Sea During Talks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi on Thursday expressed serious concern over the situation in the East and South China Sea during their meeting in New Delhi.

According to the Joint Statement issued after the talks, both leaders reiterated their strong opposition to unilateral actions that threaten the safety and freedom of navigation and overflight, as well as attempts to change the status quo through force or coercion.

“They shared their serious concerns over the growing militarisation of disputed features. They reaffirmed that maritime disputes must be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law, as reflected in UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea),” the statement mentioned.

The two leaders also expressed concern over North Korea’s nuclear and missile programmes, reaffirming their commitment to the complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula in line with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.

PM Modi and PM Takaichi urged all UN member states to fully implement sanctions against North Korea and reiterated the need for an immediate resolution of the abductions issue. They also voiced concern over the situation in Myanmar, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and an inclusive, Myanmar-led dialogue to achieve a lasting solution.

In the Middle East, the two leaders stressed the importance of ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, maintaining stable energy supply chains and advancing the Comprehensive Plan to rebuild Gaza while supporting a two-State solution. They also reaffirmed support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine in accordance with international law and welcomed ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.

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