India Reaffirms Commitment to Counter-Terrorism and Regional Stability at East Asia Summit Meet
India on Wednesday reiterated the urgent need for collective global action to combat terrorism, citing its growing threat to peace, security, and development across the Indo-Pacific region. The statement was made during the East Asia Summit Senior Officials’ Meeting (EAS SOM), held in Penang, Malaysia.
P. Kumaran, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, led the Indian delegation and emphasized the EAS’s strategic role in upholding a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific order. As the summit marks its 20th anniversary this year, India used the platform to present its perspective on key regional and international developments.
Strengthening Bilateral and Multilateral Partnerships
On the sidelines of the summit, Secretary Kumaran held several high-level bilateral meetings:
- With Amran Mohammed Zin, Secretary General of Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he reviewed progress on the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, established during Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to India in August 2024. The two sides also lauded the adoption of ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and discussed deepening India’s engagement within EAS and ASEAN frameworks.
- With Chung Byung-won, Deputy Minister for Political Affairs of South Korea, Kumaran congratulated South Korea on its recent presidential elections and discussed ways to invigorate the India-South Korea Special Strategic Partnership.
- He also met with Hajah Johariah Binti Abdul Wahab, Permanent Secretary at Brunei’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to explore enhanced bilateral ties and ASEAN cooperation.
- Discussions were also held with Michelle Chan, head of Australia’s Office of Southeast Asia, and Ambassador Kung Phoak, Secretary of State for Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reaffirming India’s intention to strengthen regional ties under ASEAN-led platforms.
Looking Ahead: EAS Foreign Ministers’ and Leaders’ Summit
The EAS SOM, attended by senior officials from all 18 EAS participating countries, along with the ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General, reviewed progress under the EAS Plan of Action (2024–2028). Officials also prepared for the upcoming 15th EAS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in July and the 20th East Asia Summit scheduled for October 2025.
Established in 2005, the East Asia Summit serves as a premier leaders-led forum in the Asia-Pacific, addressing critical issues ranging from security and maritime cooperation to economic integration and sustainable development. The EAS comprises the 10 ASEAN nations — Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam — along with India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Russia.
