Indo-Pacific at the heart of multipolarity; its challenges could extend to Europe: EAM Jaishankar

In an address at the EU Ministerial Forum on Indo-Pacific in Paris, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the challenges being faced in the region could extend to Europe as "distance is no insulation".

New Delhi: Reiterating the importance of the Indo-Pacific in the changing world order, EAM Jaishankar on Tuesday said it is at the heart of the multipolarity and rebalancing that characterizes contemporary changes. In his opening remarks at the EU Ministerial forum on Indo-Pacific held in Paris, the external affairs minister said, "The Indo-Pacific is at the heart of the multipolarity and rebalancing that characterizes contemporary changes. But greater power and stronger capabilities must lead to responsibility and restraint. This means, above all, respect for international law; territorial integrity and sovereignty".

He further added,

"It means economics free of coercion 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". Though he did not name any country, it appeared to be an apparent reference to China's increasing muscle-flexing in the Indo-Pacific region.

He noted that India appreciates the enormous contribution that Europe can make to shaping world affairs and said its considerate voice and mature capabilities are key to the emergence of a multipolar world. "Through our annual Summits, we have greatly enhanced the EU-India strategic partnership. The Indo Pacific will certainly be an important arena for its expression", he said. During his remarks, the External Affairs Minister underlined that France was among the first countries in the world to recognise this strategic geography. It is, of course, a resident power in the Indo-Pacific. And by extension, so too is the European Union. He highlighted that France and the EU may have strong partnerships, presence and interests in the Indo Pacific. The values they espouse and the practices they follow are no less significant.

"Today, we see challenges on that score with the clarity that proximity brings. And believe me, distance is no insulation. The issues we confront in the Indo-Pacific will extend beyond, even to Europe", Jaishankar said.

Welcoming EU’s commitment to contribute to the security of the region, he said that this remains a maritime century, and the tides of the Indo-Pacific region will certainly help shape its future. Jaishankar opined that India-EU collective efforts can keep the oceans peaceful, open and secure, and, at the same time, contribute to conserving its resources and keeping them clean.

With its economic heft and expertise, the EU can also promote economic development, infrastructure, connectivity, digital transformation, climate change, biodiversity and human-centric concerns like health, besides security. For these reasons, we welcome the EU’s Global Gateway, he stated.

He underscored that the strategy is consistent with India’s vision of a free, open, balanced and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, anchored in ASEAN centrality, as outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Singapore in 2018. India’s approach is broad-based and emphasises multilateralism, plurilateral and collective action. These are incorporated in the Indo Pacific Oceans Initiative launched by Prime Minister Modi at the East Asia Summit in 2019.

France is already among India’s foremost partners. Jaishankar said that With the EU too, "we now have an enhanced partnership and operational level of access".
Notably, in the area of connectivity, India’s Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and the EU-India Connectivity Partnership have convergence with the Global Gateway. On global challenges, the India-France initiative on International Solar Alliance now includes many European partners. India and France are also joining hands to launch the Indo-Pacific Parks partnership.

The Indo Pacific region traces a wide arc of immense diversity, but with specific dynamics.

Taking a very diplomatic approach, the EAM said that the coming together in Paris signals "the importance of our partnership with the EU in building a secure, prosperous and peaceful future for the Indo Pacific".