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India Vows Supply Chain Resilience at AZEC Summit Amid Energy Market Disruptions

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized India's commitment to unimpeded maritime transit and supply chain resilience at the Japan-led AZEC Plus meeting. The summit addressed disruptions in energy markets, with regional leaders like Malaysia's Prime Minister also pledging cooperation for stable energy supply. The discussions are set against a tense backdrop of escalating restrictions and blockades affecting critical waterways like the Strait of Hormuz. The collective focus is on ensuring energy security and market stability through diversified sources and strengthened regional partnerships.

Key Points: India Commits to Energy Supply Chain Resilience at AZEC Meet

  • India's commitment to safe maritime shipping
  • Condemnation of attacks on merchant vessels
  • Regional cooperation for energy resilience
  • Diversification of energy sources including renewables
  • Addressing volatility in key global chokepoints
2 min read

"India will work to develop supply chain resilience," says EAM at AZEC Plus meeting on disruptions in energy markets

EAM Jaishankar underscores India's role in ensuring safe maritime transit and stable energy markets at the Japan-convened AZEC Plus summit.

"As a major energy consumer, India will work with like-minded partners to develop supply chain resilience. - S Jaishankar"

New Delhi, April 15

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday participated in the 'AZEC Plus' meeting where he underlined India's strong commitment to safe and unimpeded transit passage of maritime shipping.

Jaishankar said that India stands ready to work with like-minded partners to develop supply chain resilience.

In a post on X, he said, "Participated in the 'AZEC Plus' meeting convened by Japan to discuss supply chain disruptions in the energy markets. Underlined India's strong commitment to safe and unimpeded transit passage of maritime shipping. Attacks on merchant shipping are completely unacceptable. Global growth demands that energy markets are not constricted. As a major energy consumer, India will work with like-minded partners to develop supply chain resilience."

The summit echoed similar views from regional partners.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who also attended the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Plus Online Summit, said that Malaysia remains committed to strengthening regional cooperation to ensure stable, sufficient and resilient energy supply.

In a post on X, he said, "I participated in the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Plus Online Summit on Energy Resilience at the invitation of the Government of Japan. I thank Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for convening this timely meeting. Recent developments in West Asia, particularly affecting the Strait of Hormuz, remind us that stable energy supply is critical to ensure economic resilience and safeguard the wellbeing of our people."

"Malaysia remains committed to strengthening regional cooperation through AZEC to ensure stable, sufficient and resilient energy supply. As an energy producer, including liquefied natural gas (LNG), Malaysia will continue to play a constructive role in supporting regional energy security, while diversifying energy sources including renewable energy and strengthening our energy system in line with national development priorities," he added.

These high-level talks occur against a volatile backdrop in the Gulf region.

Following a deadlock in US-Iran peace talks, the UKMTO announced that maritime access restrictions are now being enforced.

These measures affect Iranian ports and coastal areas, spanning the Arabian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Sea east of the Strait of Hormuz.

The urgency of these diplomatic engagements is underscored by the commencement of a US-led blockade of all Iranian ports.

This follows President Trump's announcement of a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime artery through which a fifth of the world's global crude supply typically passes.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see India taking a proactive role. But I hope this "working with like-minded partners" translates to concrete action and not just statements. We need to reduce over-dependence on any single region for energy. Time to fast-track our own renewable goals too!
R
Rohit P
The Strait of Hormuz situation is worrying for every Indian consumer. If oil prices shoot up, it affects everything from petrol to vegetables. Strong diplomacy is needed. Jaishankar sir is right - attacks on merchant ships are completely unacceptable.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see India and Malaysia on the same page here. Regional cooperation in Asia is key to countering these disruptions. A stable energy supply chain benefits everyone's growth.
V
Vikram M
While the intent is good, I have a respectful criticism. We hear about these high-level meetings often, but how does it trickle down to protect the common man from price shocks? We need a clear, public plan for supply chain resilience that includes strategic reserves and alternative routes.
K
Karthik V
Japan convening this meeting shows the importance of the Indo-Pacific. India's voice as a major consumer carries weight. Let's use this to build stronger ties with ASEAN and East Asia for energy trade. Jai Hind!

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