External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar reiterated India’s dedication to ASEAN centrality, regional stability, and the advancement of a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific during the 21st East Asia Summit in Manila. Highlighting the current global uncertainties, Jaishankar emphasized the co-existence of interdependence, common interests, competitiveness, and rivalries in the world order.
In his post-summit remarks, Jaishankar pointed out the impact of multiple conflicts on the world economy, stressing the importance of energy, food, and health security, especially for the Global South. He underlined the emergence of structural changes driven by new capabilities, exposure, and relationships, with politics and security taking precedence over economics and efficiency.
Jaishankar called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts in West Asia/Gulf and emphasized the need for safe and unimpeded international waterways in accordance with international law. India’s support for a substantive, effective, and legally binding Code of Conduct (CoC) in the South China Sea, compliant with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982, was also reiterated.
Expressing solidarity with ASEAN’s efforts to address the Myanmar issue, Jaishankar advocated for collective action against cyber scam centers that have targeted Indian nationals. He highlighted India’s contributions to UNRWA and its belief in a two-state solution for lasting peace. Additionally, Jaishankar announced India’s upcoming hosting of the 7th EAS Conference on Maritime Security Cooperation in Kochi and an EAS Maritime Heritage Festival in Lothal.
