Challenges in Indo-Pacific could extend to Europe: Jaishankar

External affairs minister S. Jaishankar has said that the challenges is being faced in the Indo- Pacific region could extend to Europe as "distance is no insulation". Addressing the the European Union Ministerial Forum on Indo-Pacific in Paris, Jaishankar on Tuesday, said the hosting of the forum at a time when Europe has been grappling with a serious crisis (in Ukraine) reflected the importance the European Union attaches to its engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. "The Indo-Pacific is at the heart of the multipolarity and rebalancing that characterises contemporary changes," he said.

Delving into the importance of the Indo-Pacific, the external affairs minister said it is essential that "greater power and stronger capabilities" lead to "responsibility and restraint. "This means, above all, respect for international law, territorial integrity and sovereignty. It means economics free of coercion and politics free from the threat of the use of force. It means observing global norms and practices and refraining from making claims on the global commons," he said. We, therefore, welcome the EU's commitment to contribute to the security of the region, Jaishankar said.The external affairs minister welcomed both the EU and France commitment to the security of Indo-Pacific as both have strong partnership presence and interests in the region.