Jaishankar Highlights India’s Commitment at EAS Summit in Vientiane

At the East Asia Summit's Foreign Ministers' Meeting, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized India's dedication to the EAS process. He highlighted the completion of a decade of the Act East Policy, the importance of Nalanda University, and India's role in various regional issues, including Myanmar and Gaza.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar underscored India’s significant contributions to the East Asia Summit (EAS) during the Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Vientiane. He pointed out that the Nalanda University initiative in Bihar is a culmination of an EAS commitment, reflecting India's Act East Policy announced at the 9th EAS a decade ago.

In his address, Jaishankar affirmed India's support for ASEAN unity and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). He urged more EAS members to join the Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative (IPOI). Jaishankar highlighted India's consistent contributions to the EAS Plan of Action, referencing the EAS Conference on Maritime Security and Cooperation held in Mumbai.

The Minister also appreciated ASEAN's participation in the Voice of the Global South Summit. He stressed the importance of SLOCs in the South China Sea for regional stability. On Myanmar, he mentioned India's collaborative efforts with ASEAN, focusing on border security and connectivity. Furthermore, Jaishankar called for restraint in Gaza and expressed concerns over attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

Jaishankar reiterated India’s readiness to support global peace efforts, including de-escalation in Ukraine, emphasizing dialogue and diplomacy. Highlighting Nalanda University's new campus, he noted its eco-friendly features and international collaboration, marking a significant educational and cultural stride for the EAS.