New Delhi [India], July 21 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will embark on a go to to Manila, Philippines, on Wednesday to take part in a number of Foreign Minister-level conferences beneath the ASEAN framework.
The Ministry of External Affairs said that Jaishankar can be participating in ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit (EAS) and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) conferences throughout his go to from July 22 to 23.
‘External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will go to Manila, Philippines, on 22-23 July 2026 to take part in Foreign Minister stage Meetings beneath the ASEAN framework, together with the ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit (EAS) and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Meetings,’ the MEA wrote.
It added that the EAM may even be taking part in a Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN-related conferences. He can be anticipated to carry bilateral conferences along with his counterparts.
‘On the margins of the ASEAN-related conferences, External Affairs Minister can be taking part in a Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting along with his counterparts from Australia, Japan and the United States. He can be anticipated to carry bilateral conferences along with his counterparts from taking part nations,’ the MEA said.
The Ministry emphasised that the go to highlights India’s engagement with ASEAN and underscores committment to strengthening the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
‘The go to underscores India’s deepening engagement with ASEAN beneath the Act East Policy and reaffirms our robust dedication to additional strengthening the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. It is of specific significance that 2026 has been designated because the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation,’ the Ministry famous.
Earlier, because the Philippines chairs ASEAN for the 12 months 2026, Philippines Ambassador to India, Josel F Ignacio stated that India has a ‘essential position’ to play in attaining ASEAN’s objectives, whereas highlighting New Delhi’s constant help for ASEAN unity and centrality.
Speaking to ANI on the Philippines’ priorities because the ASEAN Chair for 2026, Ignacio stated Manila’s theme of ‘Navigating Our Future Together’ displays the shared accountability of member states and companions in addressing geopolitical challenges and advancing regional cooperation.
‘The Philippines, as chairman of ASEAN, now we have chosen the theme ‘Navigating Our Future Together’. Just to spotlight the truth that we’re all on this collectively, and we share the identical destiny, no matter geopolitical components come to bear on our realities. Ultimately, now we have to unravel them as effectively,’ Ignacio stated.
He stated the Philippines has recognized three key priorities throughout its ASEAN Chairship, ‘Peace and Security Anchors’, ‘Prosperity Corridors’ and ‘People Empowerment’, which align with ASEAN’s political-security, financial and socio-cultural pillars.
Ignacio emphasised India’s position in supporting ASEAN targets, noting the convergence between New Delhi’s Indo-Pacific imaginative and prescient and ASEAN’s regional outlook.
The Philippines assumed the ASEAN Chairship for 2026 beneath the theme ‘Navigating Our Future, Together’, specializing in regional peace and safety, financial integration, digital transformation, inclusive progress and folks empowerment.
The chairship comes at a time when ASEAN seeks to strengthen resilience amid international uncertainties whereas advancing cooperation amongst member states and exterior companions, together with India. (ANI)