Spoke at the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting today in Manila.
➡️ Recognised the importance of ARF for discussing political & security issues in the Indo-Pacific, especially in these complex times.
➡️ Welcomed the Manila Plan of Action and highlighted that its five pillars are aligned with India’s own approach to the Indo-Pacific.
➡️ India promotes a collaborative approach to disaster relief, sharing best practices, developing common SOPs and undertaking real-time & table top exercises.
➡️ Shared that India advocates for the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, regularly deploys field hospitals, provides search & rescue, sends relief materials & medical supplies.
➡️ India has undertaken rehabilitation recently ranging from the cyclone in Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Jamaica to earthquakes in Myanmar, Venezuela and Afghanistan.
➡️ There must be zero tolerance for terrorism. Nor should there be any doubt that acts of terrorism will have consequences.
➡️ We should prioritize choking the financial resources that fuel it. India co-chairs the EWG with Malaysia in ADMM+, taking the lead in producing a compendium of best practices.
➡️ On maritime security, shared that the information Fusion Centre in India, the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness initiative, deployment of Indian forces from the North Arabian Sea to the Western Pacific, are making a valuable contribution to counter piracy, trafficking and narcotics trade as well as secure maritime commerce.
➡️ Stressed the need for the International community to be on guard against those who undermine non-proliferation and disarmament.
➡️ Advocated a responsible and human-centric approach on AI and deeper cooperation on cybercrimes and other issues.
➡️ Highlighted that attacks on maritime shipping and civilian infrastructure are unacceptable, and commerce through international waterways should remain safe and unimpeded.
➡️ On South China Sea, underlined that we look forward to a substantive, effective and legally binding CoC fully compliant with UNCLOS 1982 that does not prejudice the legitimate rights of all users.
: S. Jaishankar
Minister of External Affairs of India