Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar said at the East Asia Summit that attacks on sailors, civilian ships or infrastructure cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. He stressed on keeping international waterways safe and uninterrupted.
manila [फिलीपींस]July 23 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday stressed that “attacks on sailors, civilian vessels or infrastructure cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.” Addressing the 21st East Asia Summit in the Philippines capital, the External Affairs Minister stressed that deliberate attacks on maritime crew members, non-military vessels and critical infrastructure are completely unacceptable.
“India emphasizes that international waterways must remain safe and unimpeded, in full compliance with international law,” Jaishankar said, adding that “attacks on seafarers, civilian vessels or infrastructure cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.” Fourteen Indian nationals have lost their lives in West Asia since hostilities escalated following the joint US-Israeli military action against Iran on February 28.
India’s stand was also presented on many regional issues
During his address, Jaishankar touched upon several serious regional issues including the South China Sea, the internal situation in Myanmar, international cyber scam networks and the Israel-Palestine conflict. They reiterated New Delhi’s strong commitment to ASEAN’s centrality, regional balance and a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
Jaishankar said, “Today the world economy is struggling with the impact of multiple conflicts; energy, food and health security cannot be taken lightly, especially by the Global South.” He described the current geopolitical landscape as “uncertain and unstable”, “where self-reliance and common interests coexist with competition and rivalry.”
South China Sea dispute
Speaking on regional dynamics in the South China Sea, the minister reaffirmed India’s support for “a concrete, effective and legally binding code of conduct that is consistent with UNCLOS 1982 and does not adversely affect the legitimate rights of all users.”
Jaishankar spoke on Myanmar crisis
Regarding the crisis in Myanmar, Jaishankar urged a “political solution” and reiterated New Delhi’s ongoing support towards ASEAN-led initiatives.
Call for international action on cyber fraud
He also called for unified international action to tackle illegal cyber fraud syndicates that have targeted and affected many Indian citizens.
India’s stance on Palestine issue
On the Palestine issue, the External Affairs Minister reiterated New Delhi’s stance of supporting a two-state framework to achieve long-term stability in the region. “India has made significant relief and rehabilitation contributions and is one of the top emerging donors to UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East),” Jaishankar said.
The East Asia Summit serves as a major annual Indo-Pacific forum that brings together leaders from East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia and Oceania, traditionally held after the annual ASEAN Leadership Summit. (ANI)
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