Vientiane/New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday stressed that the sea lines of communication passing through the South China Sea are critical for peace, stability, prosperity and development of the Indo-Pacific Region, in an oblique reference to China’s aggressive hegemonistic posturing in the sea.
The EAM said this during his address the 14th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers Meeting in Vientiane.
The EAM also addressed the 31st ASEAN Regional Forum where he said the Quad complements the ASEAN-led mechanisms in their effort to make the region stable and secure.
The EAM said in posts on X:
“Spoke at the 14th East Asia Summit #EAS Foreign Ministers Meeting in Vientiane. Conveyed that:
*The East Asia Summit (EAS) process completes two decades next year and India will contribute towards stronger EAS process.
*The Act East Policy, announced at the 9th EAS, completes a decade. India will continue to uphold ASEAN unity and centrality through our Act East Policy.
*India remains a steadfast supporter of the ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and appreciates its convergence with India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). Encourages more EAS members to join IPOI.
*We have consistently contributed towards EAS Plan of Action. This was reflected in the EAS Conference on Maritime Security and Cooperation held in Mumbai.
*The Nalanda University is a realization of an important commitment to EAS.
*Value the participation of ASEAN members in the Voice of the Global South Summit.
*Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC) passing through the South China Sea are critical for peace, stability, prosperity and development of the Indo-Pacific Region.
*The Code of Conduct should be substantive and effective, consistent with international law and should not prejudice legitimate rights and interest of nations not party to discussions.
*On Myanmar, our bilateral efforts are in tandem with ASEAN, designed to engage all stakeholders. India’s focus is on ensuring border security, countering trans-national crime, mitigating violence and advancing connectivity projects. Our endeavours are mutually supportive in order to restore democracy.
*India calls for de-escalation and restraint in Gaza. India continues to extend humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine. Attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea are concerning. India is independently contributing to ensuring the safety and security of maritime shipping.
*On the conflict in Ukraine, maintained the importance of dialogue and diplomacy. PM @narendramodi recently engaged President Putin and President Zelenskyy. India stands ready to contribute in any manner possible.
*EAS is crucial in bringing us together at a time when differences are sharp and interests are diverse. India will always stand firm in its commitment to the EAS process.
On his address at the ARF, he posted on X:
“Participated at the 31st ASEAN Regional Forum #ARF in Vientiane today. Highlighted that:
*Covid, Conflict and Climate highlight our predicament today. Solutions can only emerge through Cooperation – economic, political, technological and connectivity.
*Neither the deployment of new technologies nor the interdependence of globalization must be unfairly leveraged.
*Only international cooperation can ensure that the global commons is secure and global goods are delivered.
*Be robust in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, dismantle terror sanctuaries and UN-proscribed terrorism financing networks and tackle cybercrime. #ARF can make a difference.
*Strong support for ASEAN unity, centrality and the ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP). Synergy between India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and the AOIP.
*Recognise the importance of maritime safety and security, freedom of navigation and overflight and peaceful resolution of disputes in the region, in accordance with international law, especially UNCLOS 1982.
*Quad complements ASEAN-led mechanisms in their effort to make the region stable, secure and prosperous through delivery of people-centric benefits.
*India remains steadfast in our commitment to contributing to #ARF activities over the coming years.
