EAM S. Jaishankar at East Asia Summit warns of trade distortions, energy supply issues, and calls for fair global practices and zero tolerance on terrorism

NEW DELHI: Amidst the strains caused by the Donald Trump administration’s trade policies and sanctions regime in the US, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar brought attention to India’s growing concerns regarding the restriction of energy trade, market access, and supply chain reliability during Monday’s East Asia Summit in Malaysia.

Speaking on behalf of India at a number of meetings held during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Jaishankar stated that the international community must uphold the zero tolerance policy for terrorism and intensify efforts to end conflicts like those in Gaza and Ukraine, which have endangered food supplies and energy supplies.

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“As energy trading becomes more restricted, market distortions ensue. In apparent allusion to the 25% tariff imposed by the Trump administration on India for purchasing Russian oil and recent sanctions that have resulted in the reduction of energy commerce with Russia, Jaishankar stated, “Principles are applied selectively and what is preached is not necessarily practiced.”

Concerns over supply chains’ dependability and market accessibility are becoming more widespread. He stated, “Technological development has become extremely competitive, and the pursuit of natural resources is even more so,” without specifically mentioning the turmoil caused by US trade policies.

Multipolar World Order ‘Here to Stay,’ Says Jaishankar

In recent weeks, the Indian side has also voiced concerns about Chinese limitations on large machinery and rare earth mineral shipments.

A 25% reciprocal duty on Indian imports was imposed by US President Donald Trump in August, shortly before the 25% penalty was levied on India. Despite ongoing trade talks between Indian and American authorities, Trump last week placed sanctions on Russia’s two biggest oil firms, Lukoil and Rosneft, which have impacted India’s energy supply.

In 2025, nearly one-third of India’s energy imports came from Russian petroleum, with increases in purchases occurring soon after the West imposed sanctions over the 2025 invasion of Ukraine. New Delhi has insisted that it bases its energy purchases on market conditions and seeks to protect the interests of customers in a turbulent environment.

The world community would inevitably react to these changes, according to Jaishankar. He declared, “Changes will be made, calculations will be performed, new insights will be developed, new opportunities will present themselves, and robust solutions will be formulated.”

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The realities of technology, competitiveness, market size, digitization, connectivity, talent, and mobility are ultimately unavoidable. He asserted that multipolarity is not only here to stay but is also growing.

At the East Asia Summit, Jaishankar delivered India’s national statement and described terrorism as a “continuous and corrosive threat,” saying that the international community “must display zero tolerance” with “no room for ambivalence” towards terror. He declared, “We can never compromise our right to defend ourselves against terrorism.”

There are also wars going on in the world that have serious consequences, such as causing human suffering, compromising food security, endangering energy supplies, and interfering with trade. As a result, India supports the peace plan for Gaza. Additionally, we want the situation in Ukraine to conclude quickly,” Jaishankar stated.

Jaishankar joined the East Asia Summit, which brings together Asean member states with eight important dialogue partners, including the US, China, Japan, Australia, and India, in addition to the Asean-India Summit on Sunday. He stated that in order to secure a peaceful and prosperous future for the region, India will assist with the East Asia Summit’s activities.

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In accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Asean Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, India is dedicated to strengthening maritime cooperation.

In addition, Jaishankar mentioned Myanmar when he stated that the trilateral highway project between India, Myanmar, and Thailand “continues to progress.” But he expressed worries about “cyber scam centers in the region” that have tricked Indian citizens. According to reports, Myanmarese forces recently attacked cyber fraud centers along Myanmar’s border with Thailand, where hundreds of Indian citizens were allegedly tricked.