Exchanging perspectives on Indo-Pacific, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stressed that challenges in the particular region could extend to Europe. Speaking at the EU Ministerial Forum for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, Jaishankar said that the Indo-Pacific is at the heart of the multipolarity and rebalancing that characterises contemporary changes. In an apparent reference to China, he highlighted that it is essential that greater power and stronger capabilities should lead to responsibility and restraint and all the nations should respect international law, territorial integrity and sovereignty of other countries.
Advocating for a free and open Indo-Pacific region, Jaishankar said that greater power and stronger capabilities should lead to responsibility and restraint and result in economics free of coercion and politics free from the threat or the use of force should be maintained. “It means observing global norms and practices. And refraining from making claims on the global commons,” he added.
Giving the example of Ukraine, Jaishankar said that the challenges faced by India in the Indo-Pacific will extend beyond, even to Europe.
“Today, we see challenges on that score with the clarity that proximity brings. And believe me, distance is no insulation. The issues we confront in the Indo-Pacific will extend beyond, even to Europe,” the minister said.
Addressing the top leadership of the European Union as well as his counterparts from several countries, Jaishankar noted that this remains a maritime century and the tides of the Indo-Pacific region will certainly help shape its future.
Though the minister did not mention China in his statements, but the message was clear that he as referring to Beijing’s increasing muscle-flexing in the Indo-Pacific region.
Praising the European Union, Jaishankar said that we welcome the EU’s commitment to contribute to the security of the region and the collective efforts can keep the oceans peaceful, open and secure, and, at the same time, contribute to conserving its resources and keep it clean.
“This initiative in the midst of a serious crisis in your own region reflects the importance that you attach to Europe’s engagement with the Indo Pacific region,” he stated.
