India Hosts 6th East Asia Summit Conference on Maritime Security in Mumbai

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced the start of the 6th East Asia Summit (EAS) Conference on Maritime Security Cooperation in Mumbai. This event is co-chaired by India, Australia, and Indonesia, and organized in collaboration with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and the National Maritime Foundation (NMF). The conference aims to strengthen cooperation across the Indo-Pacific region.

Inauguration and Key Participants

Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East), inaugurated the conference, highlighting its importance in advancing the EAS Plan of Action. Government officials and experts from think tanks and academia across EAS participating countries gathered for thematic sessions focused on enhancing maritime security.

Key Discussions

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaisawl stated, “The conference is aimed at promoting cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and supporting the implementation of the EAS Plan of Action. Government officials and experts from think tanks and academia from EAS participating countries are deliberating on six thematic sessions related to maritime security.”

Discussions will cover critical issues such as maritime domain awareness, capacity building, and joint exercises among regional navies. Representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, and various international organizations are actively participating, reflecting the conference’s significance in shaping regional security architecture.

Significance of Mumbai

With Mumbai as the host city, known for its maritime heritage and strategic importance, the conference provides a platform for constructive dialogue and collaborative initiatives aimed at safeguarding maritime interests across the EAS member states.