The East Asia Summit offers countries a platform to discuss important strategic issues in the Indo-Pacific region. Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi represented India at the EAS in Bangkok. The virtual summit this time was chaired by the Prime Minister of Vietnam, Nguyen Xuan Phuc, and witnessed the participation of the 18 countries of the EAS.
Jaishankar reiterated India’s support for making the EAS stronger and more responsive and an important forum for exchanging perspectives on strategic issues.
On COVID-19, he reiterated Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to help make the vaccine affordable and accessible to all nations. The leaders underscored the importance of cooperation to ensure safe, effective and affordable access to vaccines. The Ha Noi Declaration was adopted at the summit and so were the statements of four other leaders on Marine Sustainability; Prevention and Response to Epidemics; Women, Peace and Security; and constant growth of the regional economy, The Indian Express reported.
(With input from The Indian Express)
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