India advocates for rules-based order, diplomacy at ASEAN Regional Forum to tackle geopolitical challenges
Manila, June 10
India has underscored the critical value of the ASEAN Regional Forum framework alongside its commitment to dialogue and diplomatic engagement to navigate modern geopolitical hurdles during a high-level security meeting in the Philippines, the Ministry of External Affairs announced on Wednesday.
The diplomatic position was outlined by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in an official social media update, noting that "Secretary (East) Shri Rudrendra Tandon led the Indian delegation at the Asean Regional Forum (ARF) Senior Officials' Meeting in Manila on 09 June 26."
Elaborating on New Delhi's intervention during the summit, Jaiswal stated that the Indian delegation "highlighted the critical relevance of the ARF mechanism and support for dialogue and diplomacy in addressing contemporary geopolitical challenges."
The senior diplomats gathered in the Philippine capital engaged in extensive discussions regarding fluid global dynamics.
According to the official spokesperson, "deliberations were held on the regional and international security scenario with a call for combined efforts in maintaining a rules-based order for the global commons in the Indo-Pacific."
Tracing the institutional background of the platform, the MEA noted that the security body was originally established in 1993 to serve as a specialised vehicle for regional security cooperation and dialogue. Its foundation grew out of targeted discussions during the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference, which brought together Southeast Asian Foreign Ministers and their comprehensive dialogue partners.
To systematically address complex security variables, the forum transitioned to an evolutionary strategy in 1995. This framework laid out a distinct three-stage progression: the initial phase focusing on "Confidence Building Measures (CBMs); second stage - development of preventive diplomacy; and third stage - elaboration of approaches to conflicts."
Since the inception of this multilateral framework, the core institutional tenets of ASEAN--specifically its emphasis on consensus-driven outcomes, mutual confidence-building, and advancing at a pace comfortable to all participating nations--have consistently steered the broader ARF agenda.
The influential security collective currently maintains a diverse membership of 27 nations. This includes the 11 core ASEAN member states, comprising Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.
The forum's footprint is further expanded by 10 traditional dialogue partners, namely Australia, Canada, China, the European Union (EU), India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, and the United States.
The security architecture is completed by additional regional participants, including Bangladesh, North Korea, Mongolia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Papua New Guinea.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, how many more meetings and forums do we need? The real challenge is implementation. Look at Myanmar - the ARF hasn't been able to do much there. But I appreciate India's consistent voice for diplomacy over confrontation. At least someone is talking about confidence building.
Great diplomatic move by India. The ASEAN centrality principle is crucial for smaller nations who don't want to be caught between major power rivalries. As a Indian, I'm proud we're championing this inclusive approach while protecting our own interests in the South China Sea and beyond. 👏
Interesting to see India's nuanced approach at ARF. The three-stage framework from 1995 (CBMs, preventive diplomacy, conflict resolution) sounds good on paper but feels outdated for 2025 challenges like cyber threats and hybrid warfare. Still, India's voice is important for maintaining stability in our region.
The fact that Pakistan and North Korea are also members shows how complex ARF is. But India's consistent push for rules-based order is exactly what we need - especially when some countries try to redraw borders by force. Our diplomats are doing solid work in Manila. 🌏
While I support the idea of dialogue, I wish India would be more assertive about specific issues like the South China Sea or the Rohingya crisis. The "consensus-driven" approach often means the loudest voices win. But I understand the diplomatic tightrope - we need ASEAN on our side against China's aggression.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.