At the East Asia Summit 2025, S. Jaishankar criticized Western hypocrisy in energy trade and urged for a fair, multipolar world order led by equal cooperation.
India’s Assertive Voice at the East Asia Summit
At the 20th East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a powerful speech that sharply criticized the Western hypocrisy in global energy trade and underscored the importance of a multipolar global order. His remarks reflect India’s increasingly confident foreign policy stance and its push for fairness in international economic and political frameworks.
Western Hypocrisy and Energy Trade
During the address, S. Jaishankar at the East Asia Summit accused Western nations, particularly the United States and the European Union, of applying global economic principles selectively. He noted that while India faces penalties for purchasing Russian oil, Europe and China continue similar trade practices without similar consequences.
“Energy trade is facing growing constraints, leading to market distortions. Principles are applied in a selective manner, and the ideals promoted are not necessarily reflected in practice,” said S. Jaishankar.
The U.S. has recently imposed strict sanctions on Russian oil corporations, pressuring Indian companies to revise their sourcing strategies. However, European nations have sought exemptions, deepening concerns over unfair trade norms and market discrimination.
S. Jaishankar argued that such double standards exacerbate global economic imbalances, leaving developing economies and the Global South to bear the cost of policies shaped by Western priorities.
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India’s Call for Multipolarity in the Global Order
Reinforcing India’s strategic vision, S. Jaishankar at the East Asia Summit emphasized that multipolarity is not just emerging—it’s here to grow. He urged for reforms in global governance systems that align with evolving geopolitical realities.
“Multipolarity is not just here to stay but to grow. No single power should dictate the international agenda,” he said.
Jaishankar highlighted key areas such as technology competitiveness, digital governance, market access, and talent mobility—calling for inclusive discussions that reflect the aspirations of both developed and developing nations.
He reaffirmed India’s deep commitment to the East Asia Summit framework, describing it as a “pillar of peace and prosperity”. India also announced that 2026 will be celebrated as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation, reinforcing its Indo-Pacific vision rooted in the ASEAN Outlook and UNCLOS principles.
Delivered 🇮🇳’s National Statement at the 20th East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur today.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 27, 2025
Highlighted:
➡️ The growing concerns of supply chain reliability and market access, and the constriction on energy trade.
➡️ World will inevitably respond to new circumstances. Adjustments… pic.twitter.com/HGyVXon28C
Impact of Global Conflicts and Terrorism
Touching upon ongoing global crises, S. Jaishankar at the East Asia Summit expressed concern over the Gaza and Ukraine conflicts, warning that they have caused “deep human suffering” and disrupted global food and energy security.
On terrorism, Jaishankar delivered a strong message:
“The world must display zero tolerance; there is no room for ambivalence. Our right of defence against terrorism can never be compromised.”
This statement was seen as a veiled reference to Pakistan’s cross-border terrorism, reaffirming India’s firm stance against global terror networks and its call for a unified international response.
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India’s Strategic Autonomy and Global Reform Push
On the sidelines of the summit, S. Jaishankar met U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, discussing tensions over trade and energy policy. The discussions underscored India’s strategic autonomy—the principle of maintaining freedom of choice in global partnerships despite external pressures.
Throughout the summit, India positioned itself as a proactive defender of equitable trade, transparent governance, and multilateral cooperation. Jaishankar’s statements signaled a decisive shift from quiet diplomacy to vocal advocacy, reflecting India’s ambition to shape the rules of global engagement rather than merely follow them.
Conclusion: India at the Center of Global Transformation
The 20th East Asia Summit concluded with India highlighting the urgency of building rules-based, transparent, and inclusive global trade systems. S. Jaishankar at the East Asia Summit reiterated India’s role as a balancing power advocating for fairness, multipolarity, and collective resilience in global decision-making.
As global conflicts reshape international relations, India’s assertive diplomacy is positioning it at the center of the emerging multipolar world order, where cooperation—not coercion—defines global progress.