What is the EAS?
The EAS serves as a forum where leaders from across the Indo-Pacific engage in discussions on political, security,
and economic challenges. It was established in 2005 by ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and is
held annually. The inaugural summit took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Members of EAS:
Initially comprising 16 countries, the EAS expanded in 2011 to include Russia and the United States, bringing the
total to 18 member countries, representing 54% of the world’s population and 58% of global GDP.
Current EAS Members:
- ASEAN Members: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand,
and Vietnam - Others: Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, and the United States
This forum is unique in bringing together major global powers like the U.S., China, Russia, India, and Australia
under a single, leaders-led platform.
Requirements for EAS Membership:
- Countries must sign the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC).
- They must also be formal dialogue partners and have significant cooperative relations with ASEAN.
EAS Priority Areas:
The EAS framework focuses on six areas:
Environment and Energy
- Education
- Finance
- Global Health and Pandemics
- Natural Disaster Management
- ASEAN Connectivity
India’s Engagement with the EAS
- Membership: India has been a member since the summit’s inception in 2005.
- Contribution to Education: In 2009, the 4th EAS endorsed the revival of Nalanda University, a concept first
proposed by former President APJ Abdul Kalam in 2006.
Key Takeaways from PM Modi’s Speech
- Call for Peace in Conflict Zones:
PM Modi highlighted the need to restore peace in conflict-ridden regions such as Eurasia and West Asia,
emphasizing that such conflicts disproportionately affect the Global South. He urged diplomacy over warfare to
resolve disputes. - Development Over Expansionism:
Without naming China, Modi cautioned against expansionist behavior, likely referring to tensions in the South
China Sea. He emphasized the need for a development-oriented, rules-based Indo-Pacific that promotes peace
and prosperity. - Maritime Law Compliance:
Modi underscored the importance of respecting the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
(UNCLOS) to ensure freedom of navigation and airspace. He also called for a fair Code of Conduct that respects
the sovereignty of regional countries. - Addressing Conflicts and Terrorism:
Modi condemned ongoing conflicts, such as the Israel-Hamas war and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, emphasizing
the importance of respecting international law and sovereignty. He also advocated for global cooperation to
address terrorism in cyber, maritime, and space domains. - Support for ASEAN Unity and Myanmar Engagement:
Modi reaffirmed India’s support for ASEAN’s centrality and endorsed its diplomatic approach toward the
Myanmar crisis, advocating for engagement rather than isolation in the peace process. - Humanitarian Assistance and Quad Cooperation:
The Prime Minister highlighted India’s humanitarian response through Operation Sadbhav after Typhoon Yagi.
He also reiterated India’s commitment to its Act East Policy and Quad partnerships to maintain a free and
inclusive Indo-Pacific.