WASHINGTON: ASEAN and India reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their long-standing partnership, with foreign ministers from both sides discussing the direction of cooperation in trade, connectivity, maritime security and people-to-people ties, Anadolu Agency (AA) reported.
At the Post-Ministerial Conference in conjunction with the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila, Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa P. Lazaro highlighted the development of ASEAN-India relations over the past 34 years.
“Since the establishment of dialogue relations 34 years ago, this partnership has continued to grow and become one of ASEAN’s important external relations,” said Lazaro.
He said the upgrade of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022 reflects recognition of the shared challenges and aspirations of ASEAN and India as countries of the Global South.
Lazaro also mentioned several recent cooperation initiatives, including tourism exchanges in conjunction with the ASEAN Tourism Year as well as programs to be implemented in conjunction with the ASEAN-India Maritime Cooperation Year.
He said the maritime cooperation agenda would focus on expanding opportunities in trade, the blue economy, tourism and connectivity through workshops, training programmes and capacity building efforts.
Areas involved include marine biological resource exploration, ocean engineering, marine energy and maritime law enforcement.
“This reflects the practical, people-oriented and effort-based nature of our partnership that benefits both regions,” said Lazaro.
Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar thanked the Philippines for hosting the meeting and for playing a coordinating role in strengthening the India-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
“The world is currently facing a very uncertain situation and it is increasingly clear that no single country or group can handle it alone,” Jaishankar said.
He said the increasing pressure on global supply chains as well as energy, food and health security were among the key challenges that required closer international coordination.
“Energy, food and health security can no longer be taken for granted,” he said, warning that the dependence on maritime trade makes the security of sea routes increasingly important.
Jaishankar also stressed the importance of respecting international law, especially in maritime affairs, as ASEAN and India prepare to celebrate 2026 as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation.
“It is a timely reminder of the efforts we can make for a more stable and secure future,” he said.
Even though the world faces various uncertainties, Jaishankar said India and ASEAN remain optimistic about the future and need to focus on opportunities while addressing common challenges.
— BERNAMA-ANADOLU
