At the 21st East Asia Summit in Manila, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar warned that global maritime routes must stay safe and unimpeded. He also called for diplomatic solutions to the Gulf crisis and a political settlement in Myanmar.

Key Takeaways

  • International waterways must remain safe and free of obstruction.
  • Attacks on seafarers will not be tolerated.
  • India backs a free, open and prosperous Indo‑Pacific.

Summit Highlights

During the Manila‑based 21st East Asia Summit, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that “international waterways must remain safe and unimpeded, fully in consonance with international law.”

Jaishankar urged dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the West Asia/Gulf conflict and advocated a political solution for Myanmar’s civil war, where ethnic armed groups continue to challenge the military junta.

He reiterated India’s support for a substantive, legally binding Code of Conduct (CoC) in the South China Sea, aligned with UNCLOS‑1982, and highlighted the importance of ASEAN centrality and regional stability.

Separately, India’s Ministry of External Affairs rebuked Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s remarks on Kashmir and the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), calling them “baseless and unwarranted” and accusing Pakistan of exploiting multilateral forums for disinformation.

Historical Background

The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, governs water sharing between India and Pakistan. Following the April 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India placed the treaty in “abeyance,” reigniting water‑related tensions between the two neighbours.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that uninterrupted maritime trade is a linchpin for global supply chains; any disruption can trigger spikes in energy, food and commodity prices, disproportionately affecting the Global South.

“If maritime routes are not protected, the equilibrium of the world economy will be jeopardized,” said international security expert Dr. Anita Sharma.
Did You Know?: In 2024, global maritime attacks rose by 15%, pushing up shipping costs across major trade lanes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What is India’s proposal for a South China Sea Code of Conduct?

Answer: India calls for a comprehensive, legally binding CoC that complies with UNCLOS‑1982 and safeguards the legitimate rights of all users.

Question 2: Why has the Indus Waters Treaty been placed in abeyance?

Answer: Security concerns after the 2025 Pahalgam terrorist attack prompted India to temporarily suspend the treaty’s implementation.