External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, is scheduled to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday for bilateral discussions, according to the US State Department. This marks the first meeting between the two since the Trump administration imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods over New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil.
Rubio and Jaishankar last met in Washington in July, and earlier in January this year.
On the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Jaishankar also met Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa P. Lazaro. The two leaders recalled Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to India in August and highlighted the growing partnership between New Delhi and Manila.
Taking to X, Jaishankar said, “Pleased to meet Secretary of Foreign Affairs @SecLazaro of Philippines at the start of #UNGA80 in New York. We followed up on the recent State Visit of President @bongbongmarcos to India.” He added that they also discussed cooperation in the UN and the Indo-Pacific region.
Lazaro said their discussion reaffirmed both countries’ commitment as Strategic Partners “to actively develop cooperation in political, defence and security, the maritime domain, etc.”
The meeting underscored strengthening India-Philippines ties, particularly in security and maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1949, the two nations have expanded collaboration in trade, defence, maritime security, agriculture, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and digital technologies, while also engaging closely under ASEAN frameworks.
This year’s UNGA coincides with several high-level events, including commemorations for the UN’s 80th anniversary, a Climate Ambition Summit led by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and a meeting marking 30 years since the Beijing Declaration on women’s rights.
(ANI)
