Jaishankar Emphasizes Indo-Pacific Stability at East Asia Summit

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stressed the importance of securing the sea lines of communication in the South China Sea for Indo-Pacific stability at the 14th East Asia Summit. He highlighted India's commitment to ASEAN unity and called for effective international maritime security measures. Additionally, he touched upon the situations in Gaza and Ukraine.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar underlined the critical need to secure the sea lines of communication passing through the South China Sea for maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Speaking at the 14th East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers Meeting in Vientiane, Laos, Jaishankar called for a substantive and effective code of conduct for these vital waterways.

Highlighting that the EAS process will complete two decades next year, Jaishankar reaffirmed India's commitment to strengthening the process through its Act East Policy and supporting ASEAN unity and centrality. He stressed that maritime security in the region must be consistent with international law and should not infringe on the legitimate rights of nations not party to the discussions.

Jaishankar's remarks come at a time when tensions over the South China Sea's resource-rich waters are high, with multiple nations challenging China's extensive claims. He also addressed other global concerns, including calls for restraint in Gaza and the importance of dialogue in resolving the conflict in Ukraine, noting India's ongoing humanitarian efforts in Palestine and readiness to contribute to peace initiatives.

(With inputs from agencies.)