Sachin Malik: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar participated in the Asia Zero Emission Community Plus (AZEC Plus) meeting organized by Japan. This was a virtual summit aimed at discussing disruptions in energy market supply chains and strengthening energy security among member Countries.
During the meeting, Dr. Jaishankar addressed the issue of supply chain disruptions in energy markets and emphasized that uninterrupted energy markets are essential for global growth. He also reiterated India commitment to ensuring safe and seamless maritime Shipping and Navigation.
After the meeting, the External Affairs Minister posted on the social media platform ‘X’, stating: “Participated in the ‘AZEC Plus’ meeting convened by Japan, which focused on discussing disruptions in energy market supply chains. Highlighted India’s strong commitment to safe and uninterrupted maritime shipping. Attacks on commercial vessels are completely unacceptable. Global growth demands that energy markets remain unhindered. As a major energy consumer, India will work with like-minded partners to strengthen supply Chains.”
Apart from India, representatives from several countries including the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, and Australia also participated in the meeting. This initiative has been launched by Japan to Promote cooperation in Asia towards carbon neutrality and achieving net-zero emissions.
At present, the relevance of this meeting has increased significantly amid the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the global energy crisis. In this context, Dr. Jaishankar condemned attacks on commercial vessels and stressed the importance of ‘freedom of navigation’. This is particularly crucial given the ongoing tensions between the US-Israel alliance and Iran, which have forced oil and gas tankers to halt or reroute. As a result, India and other partner countries are working to build collective diplomatic Pressure to reopen international maritime routes.
