India Highlights State-Sponsored Terrorism Threat at EAS and ASEAN Meetings in Malaysia
India’s Secretary (East), P Kumaran, represented the country at two key meetings: the East Asia Summit Senior Officials’ Meeting (EAS SOM) on June 10 and the ASEAN Regional Forum Senior Officials’ Meeting (ARF SOM) on June 11 in Penang, Malaysia. The meetings were chaired by Dato’ Sri Amran Mohamed Zin, Secretary General of Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under Malaysia’s current ASEAN chairmanship.
India Highlights Indo-Pacific Peace and Stability
During the EAS SOM, Secretary (East) emphasized the critical role of the East Asia Summit (EAS) as a leader-led platform that promotes peace, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. He also discussed the strong alignment between India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI) and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
India expressed support for the proposed outcome documents for the 20th East Asia Summit and highlighted ongoing regional and global developments. Secretary Kumaran also invited EAS member countries to participate in India’s upcoming events, including:
- EAS Knowledge Exchange Workshop on Energy Efficiency Policies and Programs (Mission LiFE)
- Conclave of EAS Heads of Higher Education Institutions at Nalanda University
India’s Firm Stance on State-Sponsored Terrorism
Secretary (East) expressed India’s deep concern about the growing threat of state-sponsored terrorism. Referring to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, he stressed how such acts threaten regional peace and security.
He further explained India’s response under Operation Sindoor, describing it as measured, non-escalatory, proportionate, and responsible.
ARF SOM Discusses Terrorism, Maritime Security, and Cybersecurity
At the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF SOM), officials reviewed the past year’s activities and discussed future cooperation. Key topics included:
- Counter-terrorism
- Maritime security
- Cybersecurity
- Non-proliferation and disarmament
India showcased its active role in ARF’s intersessional meetings, such as:
- 16th Inter-Sessional Meeting on Maritime Security
- 16th Inter-Sessional Meeting on Non-Proliferation and Disarmament
Bilateral Meetings with Key Indo-Pacific Partners
During his visit, Secretary (East) held bilateral discussions with counterparts from several Indo-Pacific nations, including:
- Australia
- Brunei
- Malaysia
- New Zealand
- South Korea
- Singapore
