External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Manila on Wednesday for comprehensive strategic discussions. According to reports from The Times of India, both diplomats were participating in high-level discussions under the framework of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and the Quad grouping. The meeting focused on priority areas for the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, demonstrating the strengthening bilateral relationship between the two nations. As per The Times of India, Jaishankar shared that the meeting focused on priority areas including trade and tariffs, energy, defence and security, critical minerals and artificial intelligence. The discussions took place as part of the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting (FMM) scheduled for later in the day. Jaishankar also posted on X, "Pleased to meet Sec Rubio of the USA here in Manila. Our meeting focused on areas which are a priority for the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, including trade & tariffs, energy, defence & security, critical minerals & artificial intelligence."
Jaishankar held crucial meetings with his counterparts from Australia and the Philippines ahead of the Quad FMM. According to The Times of India, he met with Australian Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong, following up on the outcomes of PM Narendra Modi's recent visit to Australia. Jaishankar posted on X, "Great to catch up with FM Senator Penny Wong of Australia. Followed up on the outcomes of PM Narendra Modi's recent visit to Australia. Look forward to interacting with her at the QUAD FMM later today." He also met with Philippines Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, focusing on further expanding the India-Philippines Strategic Partnership. As reported by The Times of India, Jaishankar posted on X, "A pleasure to meet FM Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro of the Philippines today in Manila. A good discussion on further strengthening our Strategic Partnership, focusing on trade & investment, education, defence & security, maritime cooperation, capacity building, and development cooperation. Also discussed recent developments in the Indo-Pacific."
The meeting took place as the Quad grouping of India, the United States, Australia and Japan held discussions in Manila on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meetings. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the group's commitment to supporting ASEAN centrality and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific. As reported by The Times of India, Rubio stated that the Quad meeting reaffirmed the group's message: "strong cooperation is vital to supporting ASEAN's own priority and centrality in the region." Rubio added that the United States, India, Australia, and Japan share a vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific that is grounded in the rule of law, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The diplomats also exchanged views on the West Asia crisis and its broader impact on global energy supplies and market stability, reflecting the importance both countries place on regional security and energy security implications for global markets.
The Philippines assumed the ASEAN Chairship for 2026 under the theme "Navigating Our Future, Together," with focus areas including regional peace and security, economic integration, digital transformation, inclusive growth and people empowerment. During his visit, Jaishankar co-chaired the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with India along with Philippines Foreign Secretary Lazaro in Manila. Highlighting the importance of India-ASEAN ties, Jaishankar said India appreciated the Philippines' role as country coordinator for strengthening the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He noted that the theme of the Philippines' ASEAN Chairship for 2026 reflects shared values based on mutual trust and cooperation for peace, stability and development in the Indo-Pacific region. The MEA said Jaishankar's visit underscores India's deepening engagement with ASEAN under the Act East Policy and reaffirms New Delhi's commitment to strengthening the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Jaishankar is in Manila for a two-day visit to participate in several Foreign Minister-level meetings under the ASEAN framework, including the ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers' Meeting, East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers' Meeting and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) meetings. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the visit reflects India's continued engagement with ASEAN under the Act East Policy and its commitment to strengthening the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The MEA confirmed that Jaishankar will also participate in the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting on the margins of ASEAN-related engagements, along with counterparts from Australia, Japan and the United States. He is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from participating countries. During the meetings, Jaishankar highlighted challenges facing the global community, including disruptions to supply chains, energy security, food security, health security and maritime cooperation, stressing that deeper cooperation among countries was necessary to address global uncertainties and enable diversification and resilience. The MEA noted that 2026 has been designated as the "ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation," calling it an opportunity to work towards a more stable and secure maritime environment.
