Secretary (East) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Periasamy Kumaran, met with Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Maria Theresa P. Lazaro in Manila to review the strategic partnership between the two nations and India’s backing for ASEAN. The meeting, held during the 28th ASEAN-India Senior Officials’ Meeting, focused on enhancing bilateral ties and supporting ASEAN initiatives.
India and the Philippines established diplomatic relations in November 1949, following their independence, with both countries sharing common values such as democracy, rule of law, and a free press. The friendly relations are built on mutual respect and the use of English as a common language.
The ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting in Manila discussed the Philippines’ priorities as the current chair, aiming to strengthen ASEAN’s external relations and prepare for the upcoming 48th ASEAN Summit in May 2026. The meeting, attended by leaders or representatives from ASEAN Member States, focused on advancing ASEAN Community-building initiatives.
ASEAN, formed in 1967 in Thailand, includes Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand as founding members. Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Timor-Leste later joined, making up the current 11 Member States of ASEAN.
