India's Position at East Asia Summit

Key Highlights from the 21st East Asia Summit

International Maritime Security

• Maritime Safety: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that global maritime channels must remain safe and unimpeded, aligning with international law.
• Regional Stability: India advocates for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts in the Gulf region and Myanmar amidst evolving global orders described as “uncertain and volatile”.

Key Positions on Regional Conflicts

• Myanmar: India supports ASEAN efforts for a political solution to the civil conflict, with military challenges to governance since February 2021.
• Israel-Palestine: India reiterated its stance that a two-state solution is essential for lasting peace.

Empowering ASEAN Centrality

• Regional Cooperation: Jaishankar highlighted India's commitment to ASEAN centrality, suggesting that the conclusions of a legally binding Code of Conduct (CoC) compliant with the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982 is crucial for South China Sea management.

Economic Impact

• Jaishankar remarked on the global economy's challenges, highlighting that conflicts adversely affect energy, food, and health security for the Global South.

Combatting Terrorism and Cybercrime

• Zero Tolerance Policy: Jaishankar reinforced India’s policy of zero tolerance for terrorism and underscored the need for collective action against international cyber scams, which have affected multiple nations.

Interaction with Pakistan

• Indus Waters Treaty (IWT): In response to comments made by Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar regarding Kashmir and the IWT, India's Ministry of External Affairs asserted that such remarks reflect a pattern of fabricating falsehoods, especially concerning cross-border terrorism.
• IWT in Abeyance: India has suspended the IWT since the April 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam, underscoring the strained relations between the two nations.

Upcoming Initiatives by India

• East Asia Summit Events: India will host two significant events this year:
  • The 7th EAS Conference on Maritime Security Cooperation in Kochi.
  • The EAS Maritime Heritage Festival in Lothal, an ancient port city.

This summary outlines India's robust international diplomatic stance, commitment to regional stability, and proactive approach to maritime security amidst ongoing global conflicts and economic repercussions.