External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has said that only international cooperation can ensure that the global commons are secure and global goods are delivered. Participating in the 31st ASEAN Regional Forum in Vientiane, Lao PDR on Saturday, he stated that neither the deployment of new technologies nor the interdependence of globalization should be unfairly leveraged. Dr. Jaishankar remarked that COVID, conflict, and climate highlight the current predicament. He emphasized that solutions can only emerge through cooperation-economic, political, technological, and connectivity. The External Affairs Minister asserted that we should be robust in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, dismantling terror sanctuaries and UN-proscribed terrorism financing networks, and tackling cybercrime. Dr. Jaishankar also noted that India strongly supports ASEAN unity, centrality, and the ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP). He highlighted the synergy between India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and the AOIP. The External Affairs Minister affirmed that India recognizes the importance of maritime safety and security, freedom of navigation and overflight, and the peaceful resolution of disputes in the region, in accordance with international law, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982. He added that the Quad complements ASEAN-led mechanisms in their effort to make the region stable, secure, and prosperous through the delivery of people-centric benefits. Dr. Jaishankar concluded that India remains steadfast in its commitment to contributing to ASEAN Regional Forum activities over the coming years.