Jaishankar Flags Energy Trade, Announces Maritime Cooperation

At the 20th East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar warned that global energy trade is "increasingly constricted" and accused some actors of applying principles selectively, criticizing Western policies and recent U.S. tariffs and sanctions that have affected India's energy supplies. He said shrinking supply chains, intense competition over technology and natural resources, and market distortions from selective measures are forcing adjustments and underscored the rise of multipolarity. Jaishankar urged resilient, cooperative solutions and highlighted India's maritime commitment, announcing 2026 as the ASEAN‑India Year of Maritime Cooperation following summit‑margin meetings, including with U.S. official Marco Rubio. He called for zero tolerance on terrorism and welcomed a Gaza peace plan, while seeking an early end to the conflict in Ukraine. Jaishankar warned that ongoing wars threaten food security, energy flows and trade, and urged nations to move beyond geopolitical competition toward shared stability.