Speaking at the Summit, Jaishankar said, “Call 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.”
India on July 15 contributed USD 2.5 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) to support the agency’s core programmes and services. This was the first instalment of a total of USD 5 million that India donates annually.
On several platforms, India has supported a two-state solution for Gaza and called for de-escalation and restraint in Gaza on a humanitarian basis.
Jaishankar raised 10 key points including the issues concerning the Indo Pacific Region. He said that the sea lines of communication (SLOC) passing through the South China Sea are critical for peace and development of the Indo-Pacific Region.
“SLOC passing through the South China Sea are critical for peace, stability, prosperity and development of the Indo-Pacific Region. 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,” he said at the Summit.
The SLOC, during times of peace, used to serve as commercial trading routes and has been also seen as strategic highways that give countries access to resources in faraway places. The protection of SLOC is important for the the growth of regional economies.
Jaishankar’s statements are noteworthy as Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi is also present in Vientiane for the summit. The South China Sea, located in the Indo-Pacific region and known for its abundant resources, is widely regarded as a potential trigger for global conflict.
China asserts its sovereignty over a large portion of the South China Sea, while several other nations, including The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan, have overlapping territorial claims in the region.
At the Summit, Jaishankar also said that India value the participation of ASEAN members in the Voice of the Global South Summit, which was started since 2023.
This initiative bring together countries of the Global South and share their perspectives and priorities on a common platform across a whole range of issues. This initiative is inspired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas Sabka Vishwas aur Sabka Prayas’, and also underpinned by India’s philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
“EAS process completes two decades next year & India will contribute towards stronger EAS process. Act East Policy, announced at 9th EAS, completes a decade,” Jaishankar said in a post on X.
“India remains a steadfast supporter of AOIP and appreciates its convergence with IPOI. Encourages more EAS members to join IPOI. We have consistently contributed towards EAS Plan of Action. Reflected in EAS Conference on Maritime Security and Cooperation held in Mumbai. Nalanda University is a realization of important commitment to EAS,” he added.
During the Summit, the external affairs minister also talked about the Myanmar issue and said that the 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.
He also said that India had reiterated the importance of dialogue and diplomacy on the Ukraine issue. Recalling PM Modi’s recent visit to Russia, he said that the PM engaged with President Putin recently and also with Ukrainian 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,” Jaishankar added.