New Delhi, July 23, 2026

As geopolitical challenges continue to reshape the Indo-Pacific, India has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional security, disaster resilience and technological cooperation. Addressing the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting in Manila, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar highlighted the importance of collective action in tackling evolving security threats while promoting a stable and rules-based regional order. He welcomed the Manila Plan of Action, stating that its priorities closely align with India's Indo-Pacific vision.

Emphasising India's role in humanitarian assistance and disaster response, Jaishankar said the country actively supports the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and continues to provide field hospitals, search and rescue teams, relief materials and medical supplies during emergencies. He also noted India's rehabilitation efforts following cyclones in Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Jamaica, along with earthquakes in Myanmar, Venezuela and Afghanistan. On terrorism, he asserted that there must be “zero tolerance” and that acts of terror must have consequences, while stressing the need to dismantle financial networks supporting terrorist organisations. He also highlighted India's work with Malaysia under the ADMM-Plus Experts Working Group on Counter-Terrorism to strengthen regional cooperation.

The External Affairs Minister underlined India's contribution to maritime security through initiatives such as the Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region, the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness initiative and the deployment of naval assets across key sea lanes to combat piracy, trafficking and narcotics smuggling. He also advocated a responsible and human-centric approach to artificial intelligence, stronger international cooperation against cybercrime and renewed commitment to global non-proliferation efforts. Referring to maritime disputes, he said attacks on commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure were unacceptable and reaffirmed India's support for a legally binding South China Sea Code of Conduct consistent with UNCLOS 1982.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Jaishankar held bilateral discussions with leaders from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the European Union, Brunei and Papua New Guinea to deepen cooperation in areas including artificial intelligence, digital technologies, maritime security and regional development. The engagements reflected India's continued focus on expanding regional partnerships and advancing its Act East Policy while reinforcing cooperation through ASEAN-led platforms.