India's Secretary (East) Shri P. Kumaran represented the country at the East Asia Summit Senior Officials’ Meeting (EAS SOM) held on June 10, 2025, and the ASEAN Regional Forum Senior Officials’ Meeting (ARF SOM) on June 11, 2025, in Penang, Malaysia, the current ASEAN Chair. The meetings were attended by senior officials of participating countries of EAS and ARF, chaired by H.E. Dato’ Sri Amran Mohamed Zin, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
At the EAS SOM, India underlined the crucial role played by the leaders-led EAS platform in promoting peace, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The country highlighted the strong convergence between the Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI) and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). Secretary (East) also expressed constructive support for proposed outcome documents for the 20th East Asia Summit and discussed regional and international issues.
During his intervention, India invited EAS participating countries to participate in upcoming activities being hosted in India, including the EAS Knowledge Exchange Workshop on Energy Efficiency Policies and Programs – Mission LiFE and Conclave of EAS Heads of Higher Education Institutions at Nalanda University. The event marked a significant opportunity for regional cooperation and knowledge sharing.
At the ARF SOM, the discussion centered around reviewing past year's activities and exchanging views on future plans and activities under ARF. Senior officials discussed key issues such as terrorism, maritime and cyber security among others. India showcased its active participation in different intersessional activities of ARF, including the 16th Inter-sessional Meeting on Maritime Security and the 16th Inter-Sessional Meeting on Non-Proliferation and Disarmament.
Secretary (East) also appreciated the role of ASEAN-led mechanisms in promoting mutual trust and understanding in the region. He highlighted India's concerns about state-sponsored terrorism, particularly following the heinous terror attack in Pahalgam in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The Secretary emphasized that India's response in Operation Sindoor was measured, non-escalatory, proportionate, and responsible.
During the visit, Secretary (East) held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, and Singapore. These discussions aimed to strengthen regional relationships and cooperation on various issues.