External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has represented India at the 15th East Asia Summit. The Summit was chaired by Prime Minister of Vietnam Nguyen Xuan Phuc in his capacity as ASEAN Chair. All the eighteen East Asia Summit countries participated in the virtual Summit.
Dr Jaishankar in his remarks, re-affirmed the importance of the East Asia Summit as the Leaders-led forum to exchange views on strategic issues. He spoke of the importance of adhering to international law, respecting territorial integrity and sovereignty, and promoting a rules-based global order.
On COVID-19, he briefed the East Asia Summit Leaders about India’s response to pandemic and highlighted India’s efforts to support the international community. He reiterated Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to help make the COVID vaccine accessible and affordable to all nations.
The External Affairs Minister noted the growing interest in the Indo-Pacific as an integrated and organic maritime space, with ASEAN at its centre. He appreciated the synergy between the ASEAN Outlook and India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.