External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the importance of enhanced collaboration between India and ASEAN to address current global uncertainties. Speaking at the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference in Manila, Jaishankar expressed gratitude to the Philippines for its role in bolstering the India-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He stressed the necessity for collective action in navigating today’s challenges, noting that no single nation or group can effectively manage them alone.
In his address, Jaishankar underscored the significance of looking towards the future and exploring ways to enhance mutual interests amidst a rapidly changing global landscape. He pointed out the critical issues faced by the international community, particularly the vulnerabilities in supply chains affecting energy, food, and health security. Emphasizing the importance of upholding international laws, especially concerning maritime trade, Jaishankar called for concerted efforts to ensure stability and security.
Furthermore, Jaishankar highlighted the designation of 2026 as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation, emphasizing the potential for a more secure future through collaborative initiatives. He expressed optimism about the prospects for both India and ASEAN, urging a focus on seizing opportunities while addressing emerging challenges. Jaishankar outlined the broad spectrum of cooperation areas between India and ASEAN, including trade, investment, technology, sustainability, and connectivity, underscoring the need for deeper collaboration to mitigate risks and promote diversification.
Reiterating India’s enduring commitment to the region, Jaishankar reaffirmed the joint efforts of New Delhi and ASEAN in advancing the welfare and prosperity of the broader Indo-Pacific region. He highlighted the principle of ASEAN centrality in India’s approach and cited examples of alignment between the ASEAN outlook on the Indo-Pacific and India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. Jaishankar emphasized the necessity for India and ASEAN, representing a significant population, to navigate the evolving global landscape together to ensure stability and safety.
