Amid growing concerns about China's maritime coercion, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasised on Saturday the need for a comprehensive and effective code of conduct to secure sea lines of communication in the South China Sea, which he said are essential for peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region. 

Speaking at the 14th East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers Meeting in Vientiane, Laos, Mr. Jaishankar stated that India will work to make the EAS process stronger as it approaches its 20th anniversary next year. 

He declared, "India will continue to uphold ASEAN unity and centrality through our Act East Policy."

"Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC) passing through the South China Sea are critical for peace, stability, prosperity, and development of the Indo-Pacific region," Mr. Jaishankar stated in reference to maritime security. The main sea lanes that connect ports for trade, logistics, and naval forces are referred to as SLOCs. 

Its "Code of Conduct should be substantive and effective, consistent with international law and should not prejudice legitimate rights and interest of nations not party to discussions," he stated. 

Given that Wang Yi, his Chinese counterpart, is also in Vientiane for the summit, Mr. Jaishankar's remarks are significant.

The Indo-Pacific region's resource-rich South China Sea is frequently cited as a possible hotspot for international conflict.

The majority of the South China Sea is claimed by China, however Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, and the Philippines all have competing claims to the sea region.

West Asia and Southeast Asia are connected by maritime routes across the South China Sea to Northeast Asia.

Southeast Asian nations are attempting to come to a code of conduct agreement with China in order to prevent conflicts in the South China Sea. During the discussion, Mr. Jaishankar also urged moderation and de-escalation in Gaza.

India continues to extend humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine," he said.

Additionally, he voiced worry over attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea.

"India is independently contributing to ensuring the safety and security of maritime shipping," Mr Jaishankar said.

Regarding the Ukrainian crisis, he stated that India still believed that diplomacy and discussion were crucial to its resolution.

"President (Volodymyr) Zelenskyy and President (Vladimir) Putin were recently engaged by PM @narendramodi. In a post on X, he stated India stands ready to contribute in any manner possible," he said in a post on X.

India remains a steadfast supporter of the ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and appreciates its convergence with the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).

India encourages more East Asia Summit (EAS) members to join IPOI.

"We have consistently contributed towards the EAS Plan of Action," he said, adding Nalanda University is a realisation of an important commitment to the EAS, he said, referring to the premier educational institution in Bihar.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members' involvement in India's Voice of the Global South Summit, which it held last year, is something the country values.

"The EAS is crucial in bringing us together at a time when differences are sharp and interests are diverse. India will always stand firm in its commitment to the EAS process," he further added.
 

Image source: ANI