The Association of Southeast Asian Nations and India have formally reaffirmed their commitment to expanding their strategic partnership during the Post-Ministerial Conference of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila. Foreign ministers from both sides held discussions on trade, regional connectivity, maritime security, and people-to-people ties.
Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa P. Lazaro highlighted the 34-year evolution of ASEAN-India dialogue relations, noting that their elevation to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022 recognized the shared aspirations and challenges of Global South nations. She pointed to ongoing collaboration initiatives, including tourism exchanges and the upcoming ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation, which will focus on workshops and training programs in areas such as marine bioprospecting, ocean engineering, marine energy, and maritime law enforcement.
India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar emphasized that escalating global turbulence makes international cooperation essential, noting that no single nation or grouping can manage current challenges alone. He raised concerns over growing pressures on supply chains, energy security, food security, and health security, stressing that dependence on maritime trade makes protecting sea routes and adhering to international maritime law increasingly critical for regional stability.
