External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held bilateral meetings with Australia and the Philippines during his visit to Manila ahead of the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (FMM). The discussions focused on strengthening strategic partnerships, Indo-Pacific cooperation, ASEAN engagement, maritime security, trade, and regional stability.

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• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited Manila, Philippines for ASEAN-related ministerial meetings.
• He met Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong ahead of the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (FMM).
• Both leaders reviewed the outcomes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Australia.
• Jaishankar also met Philippines Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro.
• India and the Philippines discussed strengthening their Strategic Partnership.
• The discussions covered trade & investment, education, defence & security, maritime cooperation, capacity building, and development cooperation.
• Both sides also exchanged views on recent developments in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Jaishankar participated in the ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, East Asia Summit (EAS), and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) meetings.
• He also attended the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with Australia, Japan, and the United States.
• India appreciated the Philippines’ role as ASEAN Country Coordinator for the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
• The Philippines is the ASEAN Chair for 2026 with the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.”
• India has designated 2026 as the ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation.
• The discussions highlighted the need for cooperation on supply chain resilience, energy security, food security, health security, and maritime security.
• The visit reaffirmed India’s commitment to the Act East Policy and strengthening the ASEAN–India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.