US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met in Manila to discuss accelerating key defense agreements and finalizing an interim bilateral trade deal that is nearly complete. The meeting signaled a renewed push in the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Both leaders reviewed recent developments in the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing the importance of progress in defense cooperation. They also highlighted the ongoing negotiations on the trade deal, underscoring its significance for both governments.
In a joint statement, the Quad foreign ministers, including those from the US, India, Australia, and Japan, reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and their support for ASEAN unity. The ministers discussed enhancing cooperation in various areas, such as maritime security, economic prosperity, emerging technologies, and humanitarian assistance.
US Secretary of State Rubio reiterated America’s dedication to Southeast Asia during the broader ASEAN meetings, emphasizing the region’s pivotal role in shaping the global economy and describing ASEAN as a key platform for US engagement in the Indo-Pacific.
