New Delhi, 23 July (H.S.): External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, who is on a two-day visit to the Philippines to participate in various ASEAN meetings and the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, held a series of bilateral meetings with foreign ministers and leaders of several countries, including Oman, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea and Brunei on Thursday.

Sharing details of his meetings on social media platform X, Jaishankar said discussions covered a wide range of issues, including developments in the Gulf region, the positive momentum created by the India-UK Free Trade Agreement, India-Philippines strategic partnership, development cooperation with Pacific Island countries, emerging technological opportunities and collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region.

Jaishankar said he met Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi and exchanged views on recent developments in the Gulf region. The two leaders also agreed to further strengthen connectivity and cooperation between the two countries.

During his first meeting with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Jaishankar congratulated him on his new responsibilities. He said both sides agreed to build on the positive environment created by the recently implemented India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and work towards further strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.

In another meeting, Jaishankar held discussions with UNRWA Acting Commissioner-General Christian Saunders. He highlighted India’s contributions towards healthcare and capacity building during the recent donor conference organised for the agency.

Jaishankar also met Netherlands Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen and discussed the outcomes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit. He said elevating India-Netherlands relations to the level of a strategic partnership has opened new avenues of cooperation in areas such as semiconductors, water management, green hydrogen, healthcare and culture.

During his meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Jaishankar conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s greetings and reiterated India’s support for the successful ASEAN chairmanship. He also emphasised the implementation of the India-Philippines Strategic Partnership Action Plan for 2025-2029.

Jaishankar said his meeting with Papua New Guinea Foreign Minister Justin W. Tkachenko focused on bilateral cooperation and partnership under the India-Pacific Islands Cooperation framework. He added that India remains committed to supporting the development and capacity-building priorities of Pacific Island countries, while also contributing to their maritime security needs.

In his meeting with Brunei’s Foreign Minister Prince Abdul Mateen, Jaishankar congratulated him on his new responsibilities. He said rapidly evolving technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones and digital platforms are creating new opportunities. Both leaders agreed to advance bilateral cooperation in line with India’s Act East Policy and strengthen multilateral engagement under ASEAN frameworks.

It is noteworthy that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is visiting the Philippines from July 22-23. During the visit, he is participating in the ASEAN-India Post Ministerial Conference, the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) meeting and the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar