India has called for zero tolerance against terrorism and reaffirmed its commitment to a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific at the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting in Manila, Philippines.

Addressing the meeting, External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar said this forum remains an important platform for discussing political and security issues in the Indo-Pacific, particularly at a time of growing global complexities.

On maritime security, he said initiatives such as the Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region, the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness initiative, and the deployment of Indian naval assets are helping counter piracy, trafficking and the narcotics trade while ensuring secure maritime commerce.

Referring to the South China Sea, he underlined the need for a substantive, effective and legally binding Code of Conduct that is fully consistent with the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and safeguards the legitimate rights of all users.

Highlighting India’s role in regional cooperation, the External Affairs Minister underscored the country’s collaborative approach to disaster relief through sharing best practices, developing standard operating procedures and conducting joint exercises.

He said India has actively contributed to disaster response by deploying field hospitals, search and rescue teams, and relief supplies. He added that India has recently supported rehabilitation efforts following cyclones in Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Jamaica, as well as earthquakes in Myanmar, Venezuela and Afghanistan.

Dr Jaishankar also called for greater international vigilance against the erosion of non-proliferation and disarmament norms.

The minister advocated a responsible, human-centric approach to artificial intelligence and deeper cooperation to tackle cybercrime.