At the 31st ASEAN Regional Forum in Vientiane, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stressed the necessity for the international community to take a robust stance against terrorism in all its forms. He called for dismantling terror sanctuaries and UN-proscribed terrorism financing networks and tackling cybercrime.
Jaishankar reiterated India’s strong support for ASEAN unity and centrality, as well as the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). He highlighted the synergy between India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and the AOIP, stressing the importance of maritime safety, security, and the peaceful resolution of disputes following international law, particularly UNCLOS 1982.
In his remarks, Jaishankar emphasised that international cooperation is essential for securing global commons and delivering global goods. He noted that issues such as Covid, conflict, and climate change require cooperative solutions across economic, political, technological, and connectivity spheres.
In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, “Participated at the 31st ASEAN Regional Forum #ARF in Vientiane today. Highlighted that: Covid, Conflict and Climate highlight our predicament today. Solutions can only emerge through Cooperation – economic, political, technological and connectivity. Neither the deployment of new technologies nor the interdependence of globalization must be unfairly leveraged”.
“Only international cooperation can ensure that the global commons is secure and global goods are delivered. Be robust in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, dismantle terror sanctuaries and UN-proscribed terrorism financing networks and tackle cybercrime. #ARF can make a difference,” he added.