External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday called on Philippines President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Manila and discussed ways to further strengthen the India-Philippines Strategic Partnership.
During the meeting, Jaishankar conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and reaffirmed India’s support for the Philippines’ chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
In a post on X, the External Affairs Minister said cooperation between the two countries continues to expand under the Strategic Partnership framework through the implementation of the India-Philippines Plan of Action 2025–2029.
Jaishankar is on an official visit to the Philippines to participate in Foreign Ministers’ meetings under the ASEAN framework.
Earlier on Wednesday, the External Affairs Minister held talks with his Philippine counterpart, Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, during which both sides reviewed progress in bilateral relations and discussed ways to deepen cooperation across key sectors.
The discussions focused on enhancing collaboration in trade and investment, education, defence and security, maritime cooperation, capacity building and development partnership. The two leaders also exchanged views on recent developments in the Indo-Pacific region.
Following the meeting, Philippine Foreign Secretary Lazaro described the discussions as productive and reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to strengthening cooperation in areas including financial technology, higher education, pharmaceuticals, maritime security, critical infrastructure and defence.
Speaking to IANS, Philippines Ambassador to India Josel F. Ignacio highlighted the significance of Jaishankar’s visit, noting that the External Affairs Minister has visited the Philippines every two years since 2022, reflecting the growing momentum in bilateral engagement.
Ignacio also welcomed the successful conduct of the ASEAN-India Post-Ministerial Conference and the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila, describing them as important developments that underscore the strengthening regional partnership between India and the Philippines.
-IANS
