External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Philippines Foreign Minister Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro in Manila to discuss strengthening the Strategic Partnership between the two countries and recent Indo-Pacific developments.
During the meeting, Jaishankar highlighted the focus areas for enhancing the Strategic Partnership, including trade, investment, education, defense, security, maritime cooperation, capacity building, and development cooperation. The leaders also addressed recent Indo-Pacific developments.
Following the discussions, Lazaro emphasized the productive nature of the meeting, reaffirming the commitment to enhancing cooperation in various areas such as financial technology, trade, investment, education, pharmaceuticals, defense, maritime security, and critical infrastructure.
The meeting took place amidst tensions between the Philippines and China in the Indo-Pacific region, with China’s actions against Philippine navy personnel drawing attention. India, a key player in the Indo-Pacific, advocates for freedom of navigation, unimpeded commerce, and peaceful resolution of maritime disputes in line with international law.
A coalition of twelve countries, including the United States and key Indo-Pacific partners, reiterated their support for a free and open Indo-Pacific and the rules-based international order. This reaffirmation coincided with the 10th anniversary of a significant ruling rejecting China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea.
In a separate event, Jaishankar underscored India’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific region at the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference in Manila. He highlighted the importance of India-ASEAN cooperation for the welfare and prosperity of the broader Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing the shared responsibility in navigating the evolving global landscape.
