East Asia Summit reaffirms commitment to multilateralism and international law

Marking its 20th anniversary, the East Asia Summit (EAS) reaffirmed its strong commitment to multilateralism and a rules-based international order, describing them as the foundation for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. The Kuala Lumpur Declaration, shared by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), emphasized cooperation grounded in international law and the Charter of the United Nations (UN) as essential for global progress.

Held alongside the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and its dialogue partners, this year’s East Asia Summit brought together leaders and representatives from across the Indo-Pacific to discuss pressing regional and global challenges - from geopolitical tensions and economic headwinds to emerging security threats and environmental concerns. Member nations pledged to strengthen the forum’s role as a key platform for dialogue, while retaining its informal nature to enable candid and constructive exchanges.

The declaration also reaffirmed support for the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and endorsed the East Asia Summit Plan of Action (2024-2028), aligning future cooperation with ASEAN’s Vision 2045. Leaders underscored the need to uphold international law, promote peaceful dispute resolution, and enhance mutual trust among nations.

India’s voice at the summit

India was represented by External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, who attended the Kuala Lumpur meeting and delivered the country’s national statement. In his remarks, Dr. Jaishankar reiterated India’s long-standing advocacy for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, guided by respect for sovereignty and international law.

“Our right of defence against terrorism can never be compromised,” he asserted, calling for a global zero-tolerance approach to terrorism. The minister urged collective international action to counter transnational threats and maintain regional stability.

Dr. Jaishankar also drew attention to the wider impact of global conflicts - including those in Gaza and Ukraine - on food security, energy flows, and trade, warning that the world cannot afford to be divided in its response to such crises.

He emphasized India’s support for maritime cooperation under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and stressed the importance of upholding freedom of navigation and open sea lanes across the Indo-Pacific.

Highlighting economic challenges, Dr. Jaishankar cautioned against double standards in global policy, saying, “Energy trade is increasingly constricted, principles are applied selectively, and what is preached is not necessarily practiced.” He urged nations to embrace consistency, fairness, and transparency in global governance.

Shared vision for peace and prosperity

The East Asia Summit ended with leaders affirming unity and cooperation, emphasizing that peace and sustainable growth in the region depend on collaboration, dialogue, and mutual trust.

Echoing India’s long-held stance, the declaration reaffirmed that a rules-based, multilateral world order remains the surest path to a peaceful and prosperous future.