Jaishankar Calls for Zero Tolerance Against Terror Financing, Highlights Maritime Security at ASEAN Regional Forum
- MGMMTeam
- 3 hours ago
- 5 min read
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar reaffirmed India's commitment to combating terrorism, protecting international shipping routes, and strengthening regional cooperation during his address at the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Kuala Lumpur. Addressing foreign ministers and senior representatives from across the Indo-Pacific and beyond, Jaishankar stressed that terrorism remains one of the gravest threats to international peace and security and called for a united global response to eliminate both terrorist organizations and the financial networks that sustain them.
His address came at a time when geopolitical tensions, conflicts affecting maritime trade, and concerns over global supply chains continue to shape international security discussions. India used the platform to reiterate its long-standing position that regional stability can only be achieved through cooperation, adherence to international law, and collective action against shared security challenges.
ASEAN Regional Forum: A Crucial Security Platform
The ASEAN Regional Forum is one of the Indo-Pacific's most significant multilateral security dialogues. Established in 1994, the forum brings together the ten ASEAN member states along with major global partners, including India, the United States, China, Japan, Australia, Russia, South Korea, the European Union, and several other nations. The platform focuses on promoting dialogue, confidence-building measures, and cooperation on political and security issues affecting the region.
India has been an active participant in the forum since joining in 1996. Over the years, New Delhi has consistently advocated peaceful dispute resolution, respect for international law, maritime security, counterterrorism cooperation, and stronger regional connectivity under its Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision.
Terrorism Demands Collective Global Action
Addressing the forum, Jaishankar emphasized that terrorism continues to endanger societies across the world and cannot be addressed through isolated national efforts alone. He stated that the international community must adopt a policy of zero tolerance toward terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
The External Affairs Minister stressed that eliminating terrorist groups requires dismantling the financial ecosystems that enable them to recruit, organize, and execute attacks. He called for stronger international cooperation in identifying terror financing networks, sharing intelligence, and ensuring that individuals and organizations supporting terrorism are held accountable under international law.
India has consistently maintained that countries must work together to prevent cross-border terrorism and deny safe havens to extremist groups. New Delhi has also supported international efforts through organizations such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which works to combat money laundering and terror financing. According to India, cutting off financial support remains one of the most effective ways to weaken terrorist organizations and reduce their operational capabilities.
Protecting Maritime Security and Global Trade
A major focus of Jaishankar's address was the growing importance of maritime security. He highlighted that attacks on civilian ships, commercial vessels, seafarers, and maritime infrastructure threaten not only regional stability but also the functioning of the global economy.
The External Affairs Minister underlined that freedom of navigation and the uninterrupted movement of commercial shipping are essential for international trade. He stressed that all nations must uphold international maritime law and work together to ensure that critical sea lanes remain secure and open.
The importance of maritime security has become even more pronounced in recent years due to tensions affecting major shipping corridors, including the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz. These waterways serve as vital routes for global energy supplies and commercial trade. Any disruption in these regions has far-reaching consequences for economies around the world, particularly those heavily dependent on maritime commerce.
For India, maritime security holds strategic significance. Nearly 95 percent of the country's trade by volume and a substantial share of its energy imports are transported by sea. Ensuring safe and uninterrupted shipping routes therefore remains central to India's economic growth, energy security, and broader Indo-Pacific strategy.
Geopolitical Conflicts and Their Global Impact
Jaishankar also spoke about the broader consequences of ongoing geopolitical conflicts, noting that instability in one region increasingly affects countries across the globe. Disruptions to shipping routes, rising transportation costs, inflationary pressures, and uncertainty in energy markets have created significant challenges for both developed and developing economies.
He observed that the Global South often bears a disproportionate share of these economic consequences despite contributing little to the conflicts themselves. This reality, he noted, highlights the importance of greater international cooperation to strengthen resilient supply chains and ensure that global commerce remains stable even during periods of geopolitical uncertainty.
India's Vision for a Free and Inclusive Indo-Pacific
Reaffirming India's Indo-Pacific policy, Jaishankar stated that the region must remain free, open, inclusive, and governed by international law. He emphasized that ASEAN continues to play a central role in shaping the regional security architecture and remains an indispensable partner in maintaining peace, stability, and economic prosperity.
India's Indo-Pacific vision is based on dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation rather than confrontation. Through initiatives under the Act East Policy, New Delhi has significantly expanded its engagement with Southeast Asian nations across defence cooperation, maritime exercises, digital connectivity, infrastructure development, trade, healthcare, education, and disaster management.
The strengthening of these partnerships reflects India's commitment to working closely with ASEAN countries in addressing both traditional and emerging security challenges while promoting sustainable regional development.
Expanding India's Strategic Partnerships
India's participation in the ASEAN Regional Forum complements its broader diplomatic engagement through platforms such as the Quad, G20, BRICS, East Asia Summit, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association. These forums enable India to collaborate with partners on issues including maritime security, cyber security, climate resilience, disaster response, counterterrorism, and critical technologies.
As global geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve, India has increasingly positioned itself as a constructive partner advocating dialogue, multilateral cooperation, and peaceful resolution of disputes. Its growing diplomatic outreach reflects the country's aspiration to contribute to a stable, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
Strengthening Regional Cooperation for Shared Prosperity
Beyond security concerns, India's engagement with ASEAN also focuses on enhancing economic cooperation and regional connectivity. ASEAN collectively represents one of India's largest trading partners, with bilateral trade exceeding US$130 billion annually. Cooperation continues to expand across sectors such as digital economy, renewable energy, manufacturing, healthcare, tourism, education, and innovation.
Improved physical and digital connectivity between India and Southeast Asia is expected to further strengthen economic integration and create new opportunities for investment and people-to-people exchanges. Such initiatives complement India's broader efforts to promote inclusive growth and regional prosperity.
The MGMM Outlook
India's strong message at the ASEAN Regional Forum reinforces its consistent position that terrorism must be tackled without compromise by targeting not only terrorist organizations but also the financial networks that sustain them. Dr. S. Jaishankar's emphasis on zero tolerance against terror financing reflects India's growing leadership in shaping global counterterrorism efforts while encouraging greater international cooperation, intelligence sharing, and accountability. At a time when security threats increasingly transcend national borders, India's call for a unified response highlights the importance of collective action in ensuring long-term regional and global stability.
The focus on maritime security further underlines India's broader strategic vision for the Indo-Pacific. With global trade and energy supplies heavily dependent on secure sea lanes, India's advocacy for freedom of navigation, adherence to international law, and stronger partnerships with ASEAN demonstrates its commitment to preserving a stable and rules-based regional order. By actively engaging in multilateral platforms and expanding cooperation across security, trade, and connectivity, India continues to strengthen its role as a responsible and reliable partner working towards peace, economic resilience, and shared prosperity across the Indo-Pacific.
(Sources: Firstpost, Times of India, Economic Times)
Comments