EAM Jaishankar to Visit Philippines for ASEAN, Quad Foreign Ministers' Meetings

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will travel to Manila, Philippines, on July 22–23 to participate in a series of high-level meetings under the ASEAN framework and the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting, as India steps up its diplomatic engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. During the visit, Jaishankar is scheduled to attend the ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers' Meeting, the East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers' Meeting, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and other ministerial engagements hosted by the Philippines, the current ASEAN Chair.

The minister will also join his counterparts from the United States, Japan, and Australia for the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting. The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, enhancing maritime security, improving supply chain resilience, advancing critical and emerging technologies, and addressing regional and global challenges.

India views ASEAN as a central pillar of its Act East Policy and its broader Indo-Pacific vision. The meetings are expected to provide an opportunity to deepen strategic ties with Southeast Asian nations while reinforcing ASEAN's central role in maintaining regional peace, stability, and economic growth.

Several pressing geopolitical issues are likely to dominate the agenda, including tensions in the South China Sea, the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, regional connectivity, economic security, and the impact of recent global conflicts on trade and energy supplies. Leaders are also expected to exchange views on strengthening cooperation in disaster management, digital transformation, and sustainable development. On the sidelines of the multilateral meetings, Jaishankar is also expected to hold a series of bilateral meetings with foreign ministers from participating countries to review existing partnerships and explore new avenues for cooperation across trade, investment, defence, and technology.

The visit comes at a time of heightened geopolitical activity across the Indo-Pacific, with major powers seeking closer coordination on regional security and economic resilience. India's participation in both the ASEAN-led meetings and the Quad dialogue underscores New Delhi's growing diplomatic role and its commitment to a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.