'World Is Extremely Turbulent, Maritime Trade at Risk': S Jaishankar Issues Stark Global Warning

[00:00:00]The world is extremely turbulent and it is increasingly evident that no single nation or even grouping can deal with it on its own. The most visible stress is on supply chains.

[00:00:13]Energy, food, and health security can no longer be taken for granted. Secretary Teodoro Lazaro, Your Royal Highness, distinguished ministers, Secretary General of ASEAN, colleagues, uh it is a real pleasure to join you all this morning at Manila.

[00:00:31]Uh let me convey our deep appreciation to the Philippines for its warm welcome and hospitality and more important for its key role as a country coordinator for building and strengthening the India-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership.

[00:00:49]The chairmanship theme "Navigating Our Future Together" captures the sentiment which many of us feel today.

[00:01:00]The world is extremely turbulent and it is increasingly evident that no single nation or even grouping can deal with it on its own.

[00:01:11]Let us contemplate the near future and consider how best our cooperation can serve our respective interests.

[00:01:21]In this era of volatility and disruption, the most visible stress is on supply chains.

[00:01:28]Energy, food, and health security can no longer be taken for granted.

[00:01:33]Because we are all so dependent on maritime trade, that too could become a source of anxiety.

[00:01:41]Observing international law in that regard is therefore vital.

[00:01:46]Coincidentally, 2026 is the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation.

[00:01:53]It is a timely reminder of what we can do for a more stable and secure future.

[00:02:00]Colleagues, at the same time, both India and ASEAN are optimistic about their prospects.

[00:02:07]Our eyes must therefore be firmly fixed on opportunities, even while addressing challenges.

[00:02:14]And there are many of them.

[00:02:16]Many of them amongst us and between us.

[00:02:20]The India-ASEAN agenda today covers trade and investment, mobility and talent, tech, digital, and AI, green and sustainability, as well as connectivity.

[00:02:33]It is only through deeper cooperation that we can de-risk and diversify.

[00:02:39]India and ASEAN have traditionally worked for the welfare of the larger region.

[00:02:45]For India, ASEAN's centrality is a key principle.

[00:02:50]One example of the manner of that working is the uh way in which the ASEAN outlook on the Indo-Pacific meshes with India's Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.

[00:03:02]There are many other domains and examples reflected in activities, numbers, and policies.

[00:03:09]This is a world in transition, and India and ASEAN, who account for 2 billion, must navigate it together if it is to remain safe and steady. Thank you.

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