Jaishankar urges stronger India-ASEAN cooperation amid turbulence

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held talks with China’s Wang Yi in Manila, pressing for structured dialogue aligned with mutual priorities and addressing India’s trade deficit, supply chain stability, and fair market access for IT services, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural products, while also reviewing bilateral mechanisms and border stability along the LAC. He also emphasized deeper India-ASEAN cooperation during a Manila visit, urging them to unite on energy, food, and health security and to safeguard smooth maritime trade amid global disruptions. Jaishankar warned that the world is extremely turbulent and stressed that no single nation or grouping can tackle these challenges alone, calling for collaboration under the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation. At the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with India 2026, he reiterated the importance of resilient supply chains, adherence to international law, and the need to deepen regional partnerships for stability and economic resilience. Overall, he framed the era of volatility as a shared challenge that requires coordinated action between India and its partners, including a strong emphasis on maritime cooperation and equitable access to global markets.