India Calls For Stronger Regional Cooperation, Closer Maritime Ties — Jaishankar

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27 (Bernama) -- India has called for stronger regional cooperation and closer maritime partnerships to address global challenges and promote peace and prosperity.

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar, in his statement at the 20th East Asia Summit (EAS) here today, said the world is going through complicated times, with growing concerns over supply chain reliability and market access.

“Technology advancement has become very competitive; the quest for natural resources even more so,” he said.

A copy of his statement was made available on the official website of India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

The world is changing rapidly, driven by technology, competitiveness and connectivity, he said and stressed that “multipolarity is not just here to stay but to grow.”

Jaishankar said India welcomes the Gaza peace plan and hopes for an early end to the conflict in Ukraine.

“The world must display zero tolerance; there is no room for ambivalence. Our right of defence against terrorism can never be compromised,” he said.

He announced that 2026 will be observed as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation and proposed an EAS Maritime Heritage Festival in Lothal, Gujarat, along with the 7th EAS Conference on Maritime Security Cooperation.

On Myanmar, Jaishankar said India was a “first responder” to the March earthquake and continues to make progress on the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway Project.

“India values EAS’ contribution to peace, progress and prosperity. We look forward to the positive outcomes of this summit,” he added.

-- BERNAMA