Manila, July 22 -- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasised that energy, food and health security can "no longer be taken for granted" and said that both India and ASEAN are "optimistic about their prospects".

Delivering his opening remarks at the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with India 2026 in Manila, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also underlined the importance of maritime trade.

"... Energy, food, and health security can no longer be taken for granted. Because we are all so dependent on maritime trade, that too could become a source of anxiety. Observing international law, in that regard, is therefore vital. Coincidentally, 2026 is the ASEAN-India year of maritime cooperation. It is a timely reminder of what we ...