Jaishankar calls for deeper India-ASEAN cooperation amid global turbulence
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday stressed the need for stronger cooperation between India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), saying the current global environment is marked by unprecedented uncertainty and no country or regional grouping can address emerging challenges alone.
Speaking at the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with India 2026 in Manila, Jaishankar said the conference theme, “Navigating Our Future Together,” reflects the shared responsibility of India and ASEAN in shaping a stable and resilient future.
“The world is extremely turbulent, and it is increasingly evident that no single nation or even grouping can deal with it on its own,” Jaishankar said during his opening remarks.
The External Affairs Minister, who is on a two-day visit to the Philippines, is attending meetings under the ASEAN framework as well as the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting. He also acknowledged the Philippines' role as the country coordinator in strengthening the India-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Highlighting key global challenges, Jaishankar said supply chains remain under significant stress due to ongoing geopolitical volatility and disruptions. He noted that energy, food, and health security can no longer be taken for granted, while maritime trade faces increasing risks. “Because we are all so dependent on maritime trade, that too could become a source of anxiety. Observing international law in that regard is therefore vital,” he said.
Jaishankar also noted that 2026 has been designated as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation, calling it an opportunity to strengthen collaboration in ensuring a secure and stable Indo-Pacific.
Emphasising the growing scope of bilateral engagement, Jaishankar said the India-ASEAN partnership now spans multiple sectors, including trade and investment, mobility and talent, technology, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, sustainability, green initiatives, and regional connectivity. “It is only through deeper cooperation that we can de-risk and diversify,” he said. The minister added that India and ASEAN have traditionally worked together to promote peace, stability, and prosperity across the wider region. “This is a world in transition, and India and ASEAN, who account for nearly two billion people, must navigate it together if it is to remain safe and steady,” he said.
ASEAN, one of the region's most influential multilateral organisations, counts India among its dialogue partners alongside countries such as the United States, China, Japan, and Australia. During his visit, Jaishankar will also participate in the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting with counterparts from Australia, Japan, and the United States. The Quad foreign ministers last met in New Delhi in May, when US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited India.
India's engagements with both ASEAN and the Quad underscore its continued focus on strengthening regional partnerships, enhancing economic resilience, and promoting a rules-based Indo-Pacific amid evolving global challenges.
