India Backs Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship at EAS Preparatory Meeting in Port Dickson

Port Dickson [Malaysia], September 11 : India has reaffirmed its support for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship at the East Asia Summit (EAS) Preparatory Senior Officials’ Meeting, held in Port Dickson on Wednesday.

Representing India, Ministry of External Affairs’ Secretary (East) P. Kumaran underlined New Delhi’s commitment to ASEAN’s centrality and unity, a cornerstone of India’s Act East Policy. He also expressed confidence that the upcoming 20th East Asia Summit will strengthen regional cooperation and foster greater engagement among member nations.

Highlighting India’s regional initiatives, Kumaran extended invitations to EAS participating countries for two upcoming events:

• Knowledge Exchange Workshop on Energy Efficiency Policies and Programmes under the Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative.

• Conclave of EAS Heads of Higher Education Institutions to be hosted at Nalanda University, Rajgir, Bihar.

Both initiatives reflect India’s focus on sustainable development and educational collaboration under the Act East framework.

The meeting, chaired by H.E. Dato’ Amran Mohamed Zin, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, witnessed participation from senior officials of all EAS countries. On the sidelines, Secretary (East) also held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Australia, Cambodia, and Malaysia to deepen partnerships.