New Delhi, April 15: India has expressed serious concerns regarding disruptions in the energy supply chain, emphasizing the necessity for safe and uninterrupted maritime transport.
During the ADEC Plus meeting hosted by Japan, India highlighted the critical importance of securing maritime routes for the stability of global energy markets. The country firmly stated that any attacks on merchant vessels are completely unacceptable, as such actions negatively impact both regional and global economies.
Following the meeting, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar stated on X, “I participated in the ADEC meeting convened by Japan to discuss disruptions in the energy market supply chain. India reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safe and uninterrupted maritime transport.”
He underscored, “We do not accept any attacks on merchant ships traversing these maritime routes. Global growth demands that there be no disruptions in energy supply. As a major consumer, India is committed to working with its partners to strengthen the supply chain.”
During the meeting, India stressed the need for collaboration, coordination, and collective efforts to ensure energy security.
The summit, organized by the Japanese government, featured virtual addresses from prominent leaders, including Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Thailand’s PM Anutin Charnvirakul, and Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tariq Rahman.
In addition to leaders from Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Timor-Leste, Singapore, Bangladesh, and Thailand, ministers from Australia, South Korea, Brunei, Sri Lanka, and organizations such as the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) also participated.
Ibrahim stated, “Malaysia is committed to strengthening regional cooperation through ADEC to ensure a stable, sufficient, and resilient energy supply. As an energy producer, including liquefied natural gas (LNG), Malaysia will continue to play a constructive role in supporting regional energy security while diversifying energy sources, including renewable energy, in line with our national development priorities.”
In his message, Philippine President R. Marcos Jr. highlighted the vulnerability of the country to shocks in global oil supply. He pointed to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in February as a significant disruption that led to rising fuel prices.
The Philippine News Agency reported that the country’s leader noted, “As an island nation, we rely heavily on imported petroleum.” He added that disruptions in the global supply chain are being “felt acutely” in the country.
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