India Calls for Collective Action Against Terrorism at East Asia Summit in Malaysia
Penang : India has reiterated its call for united global efforts to combat terrorism, a threat it described as a serious impediment to peace, security, and regional development. The statement was made by P. Kumaran, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, while addressing the East Asia Summit Senior Officials’ Meeting (EAS SOM) held in Penang, Malaysia.
Leading the Indian delegation at the EAS SOM, Kumaran highlighted the critical role of the East Asia Summit in promoting a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. The meeting, which marks the 20th anniversary of the EAS — the premier leaders-led forum in the Asia-Pacific — brought together senior officials from 18 participating countries to review the EAS Plan of Action (2024–2028) and deliberate on regional and global issues.
On the sidelines of the summit, Secretary Kumaran held a series of bilateral meetings aimed at enhancing India’s strategic and economic ties across the Indo-Pacific:
With Malaysia: Kumaran met Amran Mohammed Zin, Secretary General at Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The two discussed steps to fully realise the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, established during Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to India in August 2024. They also exchanged views on regional cooperation and India’s broader engagement under the EAS and ASEAN-India Summit frameworks. Kumaran congratulated Malaysia for its successful adoption of the ‘ASEAN Community Vision 2045’ under its chairmanship.
With South Korea: The Indian official met Chung Byung-won, Deputy Minister of Political Affairs, and congratulated him on the recently held presidential elections. Discussions focused on strengthening the India–South Korea Special Strategic Partnership and advancing bilateral cooperation.
With Brunei: Kumaran met Hajah Johariah Binti Abdul Wahab, Permanent Secretary at Brunei’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to explore avenues for deepening India-Brunei bilateral ties and collaboration within ASEAN mechanisms.
With Australia: He also held talks with Michelle Chan, Head of the Office of Southeast Asia, focusing on key bilateral and regional concerns of mutual interest.
With Cambodia: On Monday, Kumaran engaged in discussions with Ambassador Kung Phoak, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia. Both sides emphasized their strong bilateral ties and sought ways to enhance cooperation under the ASEAN framework.
The EAS SOM also prepared the groundwork for the upcoming 15th EAS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting scheduled for July, and the landmark 20th East Asia Summit to be held in October 2025.
About EAS:
Established in 2005, the East Asia Summit is a significant forum for dialogue and cooperation on political, security, and economic issues in the Indo-Pacific. It includes the 10 ASEAN nations—Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam—along with India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Russia
