New Delhi: India and Australia called for the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea to be effective, substantive, and fully consistent with international law, according to the joint statement released by both countries.
In the joint statement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese reiterated the importance of adherence to international law, particularly the UN Convention on the Law of Sea (UNCLOS) to meet challenges to the maritime rules-based order, including in the South China Sea.
These remarks came after Albanese paid an official visit to India where he met PM Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday.
“The Prime Ministers underlined the importance of being able to exercise rights and freedoms in all seas and oceans consistent with international law, particularly the UNCLOS, including freedom of navigation and overflight,” according to the joint statement.
“They underscored the importance of disputes being resolved peacefully in accordance with international law without threat or use of force or any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo, and that countries should exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that could complicate or escalate disputes affecting peace and stability,” the statement added.
PM Modi and his Australian counterpart also reiterated their commitment to strengthening cooperation through the QUAD.
The Australian PM looked forward to working closely with India to advance the QUAD’s positive and practical agenda, including welcoming PM Modi to Australia for the 2023 QUAD Leaders’ Summit.
ANI