ASEAN-India Cooperation to Combat Regional Food Security Threats

The Department of Agriculture (DA) stated that cooperation between Southeast Asian countries and India could help address the rising food security threats in the region. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. noted that India is a vital partner due to its extensive experience in agriculture, food systems, research, and technology. Tiu Laurel pointed out that cross-border shocks—such as climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and volatile fuel, fertilizer, and transport costs—render food security a shared regional issue rather than a purely domestic one. "Geopolitical and economic uncertainties, climate-related tragedies, and volatility in energy, transport, food and agricultural input markets continue to test the resilience of our food systems and supply chains," he said during the 9th ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry in New Delhi. "These challenges reinforce the very importance of practical regional cooperation, open communication and sustained partnerships," he added. During the meeting, delegates evaluated the 2021–2025 ASEAN-India action plan for agriculture and forestry while mapping out the upcoming 2026–2030 strategy. Tiu Laurel emphasized that this next phase must focus on actionable initiatives that mitigate new threats, foster innovation, and broaden knowledge exchange. "As we move into the next phase of ASEAN-India cooperation, we look forward to practical, results-oriented activities that contribute to food security, sustainability, resilience, innovation, knowledge exchange and the well-being of our agricultural communities," he said. —AOL, GMA News