Call for Diplomacy in West Asia and Safe Maritime Routes Highlighted by India

At the Manila summit, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar appealed to the international community to pursue dialogue and diplomacy to end the conflicts raging in West Asia and the Gulf.

He reiterated India’s firm belief that all sea lanes must stay secure and free for navigation, respecting the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982.

Any hostile act targeting merchant vessels, civilian crews or critical infrastructure would be deemed unacceptable by New Delhi.

The minister also stressed the importance of an effective, legally binding code of conduct for the South China Sea, one that aligns with UNCLOS and does not erode the rights of lawful users.

India continues to endorse ASEAN’s efforts to facilitate a peaceful settlement of the Myanmar issue.

In a separate message on the X platform, Jaishankar warned that the world economy is under strain from multiple conflicts, with Global South nations especially vulnerable in securing energy, food and health supplies.

He highlighted how new technologies, broader connectivity and shifting global partnerships are reshaping priorities, often placing security considerations above pure economic efficiency.

The minister called for a united crackdown on cyber‑scam operations that have victimised countless Indian citizens.

India will soon host the 7th East Asia Summit Maritime Security Cooperation Conference in Kochi and organize a Maritime Heritage Festival in Lothal.