EAM Jaishankar Urges Resilience in Global Supply Chains, Reiterates Zero Tolerance on Terrorism at 20^th East Asia Summit

By R Anil Kumar

• Jaishankar calls for zero tolerance on terrorism, maritime focus in ASEAN ties by 2026

• ‘Our Right of Defence Against Terrorism Can Never Be Compromised’: Jaishankar’s Stern Warning to Pak at East Asia Summit

• EAM Jaishankar warns of supply chain fragility, proposes Maritime Heritage Festival at 20^th East Asia Summit

• Jaishankar calls for fair energy trade, says global rules applied selectively at East Asia Summit

Kuala Lumpur. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, delivering India’s National Statement at the 20^th East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur, underscored the fragility of global supply chains and highlighted the growing volatility in energy trade, technology access, and resource competition.

He emphasised that the era of multipolarity is expanding and must be recognised through constructive global conversations.

Jaishankar observed that the world was witnessing unreliable supply chains, disruptions in energy markets due to selective application of principles, and intensifying rivalry over technology and natural resources and called for the creation of resilient frameworks that could withstand such volatility and ensure equitable market access for all nations.

The India’s External Affairs Minister warned that ongoing geopolitical conflicts were inflicting deep humanitarian suffering while threatening food security, energy stability, and free trade.

Pointing to conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, he urged for peace efforts and commended the Gaza peace initiative while reiterating India’s long-standing call for an early resolution to the Ukraine crisis.

Reaffirming India’s unequivocal stance on terrorism, Jaishankar described it as a continuous and corrosive threat that demands zero tolerance and leaves no room for complacency or ambivalence and asserted that every nation’s right to defend itself against terrorism must remain non-negotiable.

Turning to the maritime domain, Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s robust commitment to ASEAN’s Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and international maritime law under UNCLOS.

Announcing 2026 as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation, he proposed the hosting of an East Asia Summit Maritime Heritage Festival at the ancient port city of Lothal, Gujarat.

Additionally, India will convene the 7th EAS Conference on Maritime Security Cooperation to deepen regional engagement in maritime governance.

Jaishankar outlined India’s developmental and humanitarian outreach in the region, recalling the country’s prompt assistance following the Myanmar earthquake in March and ongoing progress on the India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway. He also expressed concern over cyber fraud networks in Southeast Asia that have entrapped Indian nationals, calling for collective regional action.

The EAM reaffirmed India’s support for the East Asia Summit as a vital platform for dialogue and cooperation, contributing significantly to peace, prosperity, and progress across the Indo-Pacific.

He extended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s greetings to the gathering, congratulating EAS on its 20th anniversary and welcoming Timor-Leste as its newest member.

On the sidelines of the summit, Jaishankar held multiple bilateral meetings to strengthen India’s relations with key partners.

He met Brunei’s Foreign Minister Dato ErywanPehin Yusof, Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, and Vietnam’s Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung, discussing enhanced strategic and economic cooperation. In his meeting with Japan’s Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu, both sides agreed to accelerate implementation of their joint vision for the next decade of India–Japan engagement.

Jaishankar also met Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Haji Hasan, exchanging perspectives on regional stability and cooperation. In his discussion with Hasan, Jaishankar conveyed greetings for the successful convening of ASEAN and the East Asia Summits and shared views on the evolving situation in Myanmar.

Earlier in the day, Jaishankar held a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, focusing on bilateral, regional, and global issues amid ongoing India–US trade negotiations. The dialogue further reinforced the growing diplomatic momentum between New Delhi and Washington in shaping a secure and balanced Indo-Pacific order.

The 20th East Asia Summit brought together leaders from 19 member nations, including ASEAN states, India, the United States, China, Japan, and Australia. Marking its 20th anniversary, the summit reviewed two decades of collaborative achievements and charted new pathways to promote peace, stability, and economic resilience across East Asia.