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Abhi Dhingra
In the recent meeting held for the Indo-Pacific effort in the European Union ministerial forum in Paris, Jaishankar addressed the opening session of the meeting where he was partnered by French foreign minister Jean Yves Le Drian EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and foreign ministers of Cambodia and Indonesia, Prak Sokhonn and Retno Marsudi.
Jaishanker said “The Indo-Pacific is at the heart of the multipolarity and rebalancing the characterizes contemporary changes. But it is essential that greater power and stronger capabilities lead to responsibility and restraint.”
He added “ This means above all, respect for international law, territorial integrity and sovereignty. It means economics free of cooperation and politics free from the threat of the use of force. It means observing global norms and practices, and refraining from making claims on the global commons.”
Even though he did not mention the name of China in his speech but the remarks that Jaishankar presented made it evident that it was a verbal attack on China.
Jaishankar did not mention the crisis going on in Ukraine except for just mentioning a vote of thanks to Europe for organizing the meeting even though there is a serious amount of crisis in their own region.
In his speech, Jaishankar welcomed the EU’s efforts to contribute to Indo-Pacific security. He said, “Our collective efforts can bring a secure environment for the oceans.”
He added “The European Union with its economic heft and expertise can lead to economic development, digital transformation, and climate change. Countries with shared values and vision can better ensure a regional culture of working together.”
He said at the end that India’s broad-based approach, which emphasizes multilateralism and collective action is part of the region. The strategy adopted by the EU for the Indo-Pacific is consistent with the vision of a free and inclusive region present in the ASEAN supremacy.