Jaishankar Meets Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi Counterparts at ARF Summit in Manila

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday met Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and Bangladeshs Foreign Affairs Adviser Khalilur Rahman on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Manila, as India continued a series of high-level diplomatic engagements during the ASEAN-related ministerial meetings in the Philippines. Sharing the update on social media platform X, Jaishankar said he was pleased to hold discussions with both leaders during the ARF gathering in Manila.

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath had announced his participation in the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum and the event marking the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC). In a post on X, he said the visit underscored Sri Lankas commitment to expanding cooperation with ASEAN member states and strengthening its engagement within the ARF framework. He also noted that he would hold several bilateral meetings with foreign ministers attending the forum.

Apart from the meetings with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, Jaishankar also met European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, describing the interaction as a productive catch-up during his visit to Manila. The External Affairs Minister is in the Philippine capital for a two-day visit to participate in a series of regional diplomatic events, including the ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers Meeting, the East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers Meeting and the ASEAN Regional Forum.

During the visit, Jaishankar has held multiple bilateral discussions with his counterparts from key partner countries. He met Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand to review the progress of India-Canada relations and discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in line with the priorities outlined by the leadership of both nations. He also met Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan over a working lunch, where the two leaders exchanged views on regional developments and global issues.

In his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Jaishankar raised Indias concerns regarding the safety of Indian seafarers following the attack on the commercial vessel MV Golden Leo, an incident that claimed the lives of four Indian nationals. The two ministers also reviewed bilateral cooperation across sectors including trade, investment, energy, connectivity, science and technology, mobility, and discussed developments related to the Ukraine conflict and the Gulf region.

Jaishankars talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi focused on improving bilateral ties through mutual respect, shared interests and sensitivity to each others concerns. He reiterated that lasting peace along the border remains essential for normal relations, while welcoming recent positive developments such as the resumption of direct flights, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and border trade. Discussions also covered market access, trade imbalance and supply chain stability.

The External Affairs Minister also met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to review the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Their discussions included trade and tariffs, defence cooperation, energy security, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, as well as regional and international developments. The meeting took place alongside the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting, where India, the United States, Japan and Australia reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific while expressing continued support for ASEANs central role in the region.

Jaishankar also held separate meetings with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa P. Lazaro. His discussions with Wong focused on implementing the outcomes of Prime Minister Narendra Modis recent Australia visit and preparations for upcoming Quad engagements. During talks with Lazaro, both sides reviewed progress in the India-Philippines Strategic Partnership, with emphasis on trade, investment, education, defence, maritime cooperation, capacity building and developments across the Indo-Pacific region.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from X@DrSJaishankar.