Jaishankar Reaffirms India-ASEAN Strategic Partnership

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on Tuesday reaffirmed India's unwavering commitment to strengthening the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership while co-chairing the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference alongside Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique A. Manalo's representative, Secretary Lazaro, in Manila.

Delighted to co-chair the @ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with India alongwith @SecLazaro today #Manila #Philippines.

✅ Conveyed India’s appreciation
for the key role of Philippines as the country coordinator for strengthening ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic… pic.twitter.com/mptvmhp3Ux

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 22, 2026

Sharing details of the meeting on social media, Jaishankar expressed India's appreciation for the Philippines' role as the country coordinator for advancing ASEAN-India ties. He noted that the conference theme, "Navigating Our Future, Together," reflects the shared values of mutual trust, cooperation, and a collective commitment to development, peace, and stability across the Indo-Pacific.

The External Affairs Minister highlighted the increasingly uncertain global environment, pointing to disruptions in supply chains, energy, food and health security, as well as growing challenges in maritime cooperation. He stressed that no single nation can effectively address these issues alone, underscoring the importance of deeper regional cooperation to de-risk economies and diversify partnerships.

Jaishankar also highlighted that 2026 has been designated as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation, describing it as a timely opportunity to strengthen collaboration for a safer, more secure and resilient Indo-Pacific region.

Emphasising the expanding scope of India-ASEAN relations, he pointed to cooperation in trade and investment, mobility and talent, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, green growth, sustainability and regional connectivity.

Reiterating India's strategic approach to the region, Jaishankar underlined that ASEAN centrality remains a cornerstone of India's Indo-Pacific vision, aligning closely with India's Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and reinforcing New Delhi's commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.