PM Modi takes on Pak again, says one nation producing, exporting terrorism

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday continued his tirade against Pakistan, saying there is one country in India's neighbourhood whose competitive advantage rests solely in producing and exporting terrorism.

Speaking at the 11th East Asia Summit, Prime Minister Modi said combating terrorism requires collective effort, adding it's the most serious challenge to open and pluralistic societies.

"We need to target not only the terrorists, but their entire supporting ecosystem," he added.

Asserting that competing geo-politics, traditional and non-traditional challenges threaten peace, stability and prosperity of the region, he said India's expects that ASEAN will continue to lead and remain central to efforts aimed at greater regional integration and cooperation.

"This export is reducing space for peace and increasing space for violence. And, putting at risk peace and prosperity of all," he added.

Prime Minister Modi also outlined India's principled position on the South China Sea.

"India supports freedom of navigation, over flight, an unimpeded commerce, based on the principles of international law, as reflected notably in the 1982 United Nations Conventions on the law of the sea," he said.

He, however, said India also believe that the threat or use of force disputes would complicate matters affecting peace and stability.

Prime Minister Modi urged all the parties as a state party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to show utmost respect to the Law of the Sea treaty.

He highlighted India's track record in settling its maritime boundary with Bangladesh can serve as an example in this regard.

The Prime Minister informed that India would organize the second East Asia Summit (EAS) Conference on maritime security and cooperation later this year.

"We can share experience and build partnerships for protection of marine resources, prevent environment degradation and tap blue economy," he added.

Talking about the natural disasters, he announced India's initiatives to help devise coordinated approaches and responses.

"India is committed to supporting realization of RCEP. India can also play imp role in APEC for deepening ongoing eco integration in the region," he added.

He also informed the leaders present that Nalanda University is being inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage site in July 2016.

Emphasizing that the East Asia Summit is adopting statement on non proliferation, Prime Minister Modi said India is committed to strengthening its objectives and this underlines commonalities in approaches.

"Remain committed, including through membership of export control regimes and to pursuing total and verifiable elimination of weapons of mass destruction," he added.

Closing the remark, Prime Minister Modi said India will remain steadfast in shared pursuit of regional, strategic political and economical priorities within the East Asia Summit framework.