New Delhi, 23 July (H.S.): External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar participated in the 21st East Asia Summit (EAS) of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) held on Thursday in Manila, the capital of the Philippines. The meeting discussed key regional and global issues, including regional stability, maritime security, the Myanmar crisis, the South China Sea dispute and the conflict in West Asia.

Addressing the summit, Jaishankar said the current global order is marked by instability and uncertainty, where interdependence and common interests coexist with competition and rivalry.

In a post on social media platform X after the meeting, the External Affairs Minister said structural changes are taking place due to emerging capabilities, evolving partnerships and new challenges. He noted that politics and security issues are increasingly influencing economic considerations and efficiency, while risk-taking tendencies are also growing.

India will host two EAS-related events this year, including the 7th EAS Conference on Maritime Security Cooperation in Kochi and the EAS Maritime Heritage Festival at Lothal.

Jaishankar said the global economy continues to face the impact of multiple conflicts, adding that energy, food and health security cannot be taken for granted, especially for the Global South. He emphasised that dialogue and diplomacy remain the most effective means to resolve the West Asia conflict.

He stressed that international maritime routes must remain safe and free from disruptions, adding that attacks on sailors, civilian vessels or critical infrastructure cannot be accepted under any circumstances.

On the South China Sea issue, Jaishankar said India supports an effective and legally binding Code of Conduct that is consistent with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and does not undermine the legitimate rights of all stakeholders.

Highlighting the situation in Myanmar, the External Affairs Minister underlined the need for a political solution and said India continues to support ASEAN-led efforts in this regard.

He also called for strong collective action against cyber fraud centres, noting that a large number of Indian citizens have been affected by such operations. Jaishankar said India has made significant contributions towards relief and rehabilitation efforts and has emerged as a major donor to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

He reiterated India’s position that a two-state solution remains the only path towards achieving lasting peace.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar