External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on Thursday called for zero tolerance against terrorism, stronger maritime security and deeper regional cooperation on disaster resilience, cyber security and emerging technologies while addressing the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting in Manila.
EAM Jaishankar said the ASEAN Regional Forum remains an important platform for discussions on political and security issues in the Indo-Pacific, particularly at a time of growing geopolitical complexity.
The External Affairs Minister welcomed the Manila Plan of Action, noting that its five pillars are closely aligned with India’s vision for the Indo-Pacific. He reiterated India’s commitment to promoting a collaborative approach to disaster management through the sharing of best practices, development of standard operating procedures and the conduct of real-time and tabletop exercises.
Highlighting India’s humanitarian assistance efforts, EAM Jaishankar said the country actively supports the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and regularly deploys field hospitals, search and rescue teams, relief materials and medical supplies during emergencies. He noted that India has recently undertaken rehabilitation efforts following disasters, including cyclones in Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Jamaica, as well as earthquakes in Myanmar, Venezuela and Afghanistan.
EAM Jaishankar said that there must be “zero tolerance” for terrorism and that acts of terror must have consequences. He also stressed the need to choke financial networks that support terrorist organisations.
He said India, as co-chair of the Experts Working Group (EWG) on counter-terrorism under the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) along with Malaysia, is leading the preparation of a compendium of global best practices to strengthen regional counter-terrorism cooperation.
Addressing maritime security, the minister highlighted India’s contributions through the Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region, the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness initiative, and the deployment of Indian naval assets from the North Arabian Sea to the Western Pacific. He said these initiatives have played an important role in combating piracy, trafficking, narcotics smuggling and ensuring the security of maritime trade.
EAM Jaishankar also emphasised the importance of strengthening global non-proliferation and disarmament efforts, urging the international community to remain vigilant against attempts to undermine established frameworks.
On emerging technologies, he advocated a responsible and human-centric approach to artificial intelligence while calling for enhanced international cooperation to combat cybercrime and other technology-driven security challenges.
Referring to maritime disputes, the External Affairs Minister said attacks on commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure were unacceptable and stressed that international waterways must remain safe, secure and open for global commerce.
On the South China Sea, he reaffirmed India’s support for an effective, substantive and legally binding Code of Conduct (CoC) that is fully consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982 and safeguards the legitimate rights of all users.
On the sidelines of the ministerial meeting, EAM Jaishankar held a series of bilateral engagements with his counterparts from several countries.
He met Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser Khalilur Rahman, discussing regional cooperation.
The External Affairs Minister also held talks with European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, describing it as a productive interaction.
During his meeting with Brunei’s Foreign Minister Prince Abdul Mateen, EAM Jaishankar congratulated him on assuming office and discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, drones and digital technologies. Both leaders agreed to advance the bilateral agenda in line with India’s Act East Policy and strengthen cooperation within ASEAN-led mechanisms.
EAM Jaishankar also met Papua New Guinea Foreign Minister Justin W. Tkatchenko, where discussions focused on bilateral cooperation through the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC). He reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting Pacific Island countries in their development, capacity-building initiatives and maritime security priorities.
