Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called for deeper cooperation between India and ASEAN during a meeting in Manila, Philippines [1].

The push for stronger regional ties comes as global uncertainty grows, specifically regarding maritime trade and regional security. The cooperation is intended to help both entities de-risk their economies and diversify their supply chains in an increasingly volatile geopolitical environment [2].

During his opening remarks at the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference, Jaishankar highlighted the fragility of essential resources [1]. He said, "Energy, food, and health security can no longer be taken for granted" [1].

Jaishankar said the current global climate requires a shift in how nations manage their dependencies. He said, "It is only through deeper cooperation we can de-risk and diversify" [2].

The discussions in Manila focused on addressing the impacts of global instability. While some reports link the urgency of these meetings to heightened US-Iran tensions, other official summaries focus on broader economic and security cooperation [1, 3].

Despite these challenges, the minister expressed confidence in the relationship between the two powers. He said, "Both India and ASEAN are optimistic about their prospects" [1].

“"Energy, food, and health security can no longer be taken for granted."”

India's strategic focus on ASEAN reflects a broader effort to reduce reliance on single-source supply chains and counter regional instability. By prioritizing food and energy security, New Delhi is positioning itself as a stabilizing partner in Southeast Asia, aiming to create a more resilient economic bloc that can withstand shocks from conflicts or trade disruptions in other parts of the world.