The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced the commencement of the 6th East Asia Summit (EAS) Conference on Maritime Security Cooperation in Mumbai.
India Hosts 6th EAS Conference on Maritime Security Cooperation
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced the commencement of the 6th East Asia Summit (EAS) Conference on Maritime Security Cooperation in Mumbai. Co-chaired by India, Australia, and Indonesia and organised in collaboration with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and the National Maritime Foundation the conference aims to bolster cooperation across the Indo-Pacific region.
Discussions at the event are set to address critical issues, including maritime domain awareness, capacity building, and joint exercises among regional navies. Government has developed maritime cooperation with regional partners in consonance with Government’s vision of Security and Growth for all in the Region (SAGAR). To enhance maritime cooperation, initiatives are being undertaken in the field of training, technical support, hydrography and conduct of maritime security operations.
East Asia Summit
The EAS was established in 2005 as an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-led initiative.
The EAS is the only leader-led forum in the Indo-Pacific that brings together all key partners to discuss political, security and economic issues of strategic importance.
The EAS operates on the principles of openness, inclusiveness, respect for international law, ASEAN centrality, and ASEAN’s role as the driving force.
The idea of an East Asia Grouping was first proposed by then Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad in 1991.
The EAS comprises 18 members: the 10 ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) and eight dialogue partners (Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia and the United States).
India has been a founding member of the EAS since 2005 and has actively participated in all its meetings and activities.
India views the EAS as a key platform for enhancing its Act East Policy and strengthening its strategic partnership with ASEAN and other regional countries.
