India highlighted the crucial role of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in maintaining regional security and stability, while asserting that dialogue, diplomacy and multilateral cooperation are essential tools to address current geopolitical challenges.
Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said this position was raised by the Indian delegation during the ARF Senior Officials Meeting (ARF SOM) in Manila, Philippines on June 9.
The delegation was led by Undersecretary of State for East Asian Affairs Rudrendra Tandon.
During the discussions, the Indian side highlighted the importance of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) as a forum to promote broad and constructive engagement among ASEAN member states and dialogue partners.
The conference allowed delegates to exchange views on the regional security situation in an unstable strategic context in the Indo-Pacific region.
Facing increasingly complex challenges, ranging from maritime security to disruptions in critical supply chains, India is calling for increased efforts to maintain a rules-based order, ensuring respect for international law and freedom of navigation and overflight in accordance with international standards.
India also highlighted the role of dialogue and confidence-building measures in peaceful resolution of disputes and preventing the risk of escalation of tensions and conflicts.
Additionally, the country called for enhanced cooperation among the 27 ARF members to address cross-border challenges such as cyber security, climate change resilience and disaster management.
Established in 1993, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) is today one of the most important security dialogue mechanisms in the region. It brings together 27 members, including ASEAN countries and major partners such as the United States, Russia, China and India. Unlike traditional military alliances, the ARF favors trust, dialogue and the gradual implementation of conflict prevention and resolution measures.
This year’s meeting in Manila was held in a context marked by numerous security and humanitarian challenges in the region. Participating countries reaffirmed the importance of a consensual and cooperative approach, consistent with the long-standing principles of the Arkansas Regional Forum (ARF), for maintaining peace and stability in the region.
For India, the Arkansas Regional Forum (ARF) remains an important part of its “Moving East” policy.
Through this ASEAN-led mechanism, New Delhi continues to promote a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, where challenges are addressed through dialogue, diplomacy and multilateral institutions.
Source : https://www.vietnamplus.vn/an-do-de-cao-vai-role-of-asean-forum-in-maintaining-regional-security-post1115811.vnp
