Virtually in a address at the first ASEAN Future Forum, Bharat’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, emphasized the importance of closer collaboration between Bharat and ASEAN countries. He highlighted that such cooperation could significantly contribute to shaping the emerging regional architecture of the Indo-Pacific.
Jaishankar reiterated Bharat’s support for ASEAN unity, centrality, and its outlook on the Indo-Pacific. He emphasized that a strong and unified ASEAN could play a constructive role in the region’s evolving dynamics.
He pointed out the synergy between Bharat’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and the ASEAN outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) as a framework for comprehensive security cooperation.
Drawing attention to Bharat’s recent G20 presidency, Jaishankar urged for a greater role for the Global South in international affairs. He highlighted Bharat’s efforts during the presidency to include voices from ASEAN member states, emphasizing the importance of a multipolar world and the roles of Bharat and ASEAN in it.
Jaishankar expressed concerns over growing security challenges in the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing the importance of upholding the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). He stressed the need for respecting freedom of navigation, overflight, and unimpeded commerce in the region.
Bharat’s SAGAR initiative, aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region, was highlighted as a contribution towards addressing security concerns. Jaishankar underlined the collective effort needed to uphold UNCLOS and address global challenges such as climate change, transnational crimes, terrorism, and health and food security.
The ASEAN Future Forum, hosted by Vietnam under its presidency, focuses on fostering a cohesive and dynamic ASEAN business community in the digital era.
The theme of this year’s forum is ‘Towards Fast and Sustainable Growth of a People-Centered ASEAN Community’. The event aims to facilitate discussions on achieving sustainable growth while placing emphasis on the well-being of ASEAN citizens.
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