New Delhi, July 21: Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to visit the Philippines on July 22-23. During his trip, he will participate in the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ meetings. Additionally, he will join the Quad Foreign Ministers’ discussions alongside his counterparts from Australia, Japan, and the United States.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Jaishankar will engage in meetings related to ASEAN-India, the East Asia Summit (EAS), and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Manila.
The ministry highlighted that this visit underscores India’s commitment to strengthening ties with ASEAN nations under its ‘Act East Policy.’ It also reaffirms India’s dedication to enhancing the ‘ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.’
Notably, the year 2026 has been designated as the ‘ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation,’ further elevating the significance of this visit.
During the ASEAN-related meetings, Jaishankar will also participate in the Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting with his Australian, Japanese, and American counterparts. Furthermore, he is expected to hold bilateral discussions with various foreign ministers.
Previously, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in the Philippines. He will take part in the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference, the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, and the ASEAN Regional Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting.
During his visit to Manila, Rubio will meet with senior officials from several Indo-Pacific countries and will also attend the Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting.
The U.S. State Department stated that the purpose of Rubio’s visit is to advance American policy aimed at maintaining a free, open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. According to the department, Rubio will present tangible outcomes of the U.S.-ASEAN partnership and strengthen the comprehensive partnership with the Philippines.
On May 26 of this year, the 11th Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting took place in New Delhi, where the four nations announced the launch of the Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance Collaboration (IPMSC) initiative.
Under the IPMSC, the maritime surveillance capabilities of Quad countries will be utilized to enhance information sharing and oversight of maritime activities in the Indo-Pacific region, initially focusing on the Indian Ocean. Additionally, experts will share experiences and conduct tabletop exercises.
Leave a Comment