Jaishankar Urges Democratisation of International Legal Order at ASEAN Meet
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday called for making the international legal structure more democratic and representative of contemporary realities, while addressing the ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting in Manila.
Speaking at the gathering of foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Jaishankar emphasised the need to reform global governance institutions to give a stronger voice to developing countries. He argued that the current international legal framework often fails to reflect the geopolitical shifts of the 21st century.
Jaishankar also highlighted two specific areas requiring urgent international cooperation: choking off terror financing and ensuring the safety of international shipping lanes. He noted that maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region is critical for global trade and stability.
The minister reiterated India's unwavering support for ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN-led architecture in the region. He described the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) vision as a shared goal that aligns with India's Act East policy.
India has consistently advocated for a rules-based international order, with the United Nations and multilateral institutions at its core. Jaishankar's remarks come amid ongoing debates about reforming the UN Security Council and other bodies to better represent developing nations.
On terror financing, the minister called for strict implementation of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards and urged all nations to deny safe havens to entities that promote cross-border terrorism. He also stressed the need for coordinated patrols and information-sharing to protect vital sea lanes from piracy and other threats.
The ASEAN meeting is part of ongoing dialogues between India and Southeast Asian nations. India has strengthened its ties with ASEAN through trade, connectivity projects, and defence cooperation. The two sides are also working on the review of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement.
Jaishankar's speech was well-received by ASEAN delegates, with several member states expressing support for India's stance on maritime security and counter-terrorism. The meeting concluded with a joint statement reaffirming commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
This is the latest in a series of diplomatic engagements between India and ASEAN, following the ASEAN-India Summit held virtually earlier this year. The next summit is scheduled to take place in Jakarta in 2024.
