External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with several foreign counterparts, including Vietnamese Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, and Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Haji Hasan, during the East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur. Discussions focused on enhancing India-Vietnam strategic ties, promoting maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, and addressing regional issues such as the situation in Myanmar. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific, announcing that 2026 will be designated as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation, which underscores India’s proactive approach to regional security and connectivity. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of the East Asia Summit in fostering peace and stability among participating nations. These engagements reflect India’s growing influence and commitment to multilateral cooperation in the region, aiming to strengthen alliances and address shared challenges. The focus on maritime security and collaborative initiatives signifies India’s strategic pivot towards a more integrated and cooperative Indo-Pacific framework, crucial for maintaining regional stability amidst rising geopolitical tensions.