EAM Jaishankar participates in Asean Regional Forum meeting, East Asia Summit

India has strongly advocated for a "zero tolerance" policy against terrorism, asserting that "acts of terrorism will have consequences" during the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) meeting in Manila. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the need to cut off financial lifelines that fuel terrorist activities.

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There must be zero tolerance for terrorism. Nor should there be any doubt that acts of terrorism will have consequences.

Speaking at the 27-member regional security platform, Jaishankar highlighted the ARF's importance in discussing Indo-Pacific political and security issues. He noted India's co-chairmanship of the EWG with Malaysia in ADMM+ to develop best practices against terrorism.

On maritime security, Jaishankar pointed to India's contributions, including the Information Fusion Centre and the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness initiative, in combating piracy, trafficking, and securing international waterways. He condemned attacks on merchant vessels and civilian infrastructure as "unacceptable."

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We should prioritise choking the financial resources that fuel [terrorism].

Regarding the South China Sea, India expressed its anticipation for a "substantive, effective and legally binding" Code of Conduct that aligns with UNCLOS 1982 and respects the rights of all users. Jaishankar also urged vigilance against those undermining non-proliferation and disarmament, advocating for a human-centric approach to AI and enhanced cooperation on cybercrimes.

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On South China Sea, underlined that we look forward to a substantive, effective and legally binding [Code of Conduct] fully compliant with UNCLOS 1982 that does not prejudice the legitimate rights of all users.