# ASEAN Meetings in Manila: S. Jaishankar Emphasises India's Indo-Pacific Vision

> External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the Post-Ministerial Conference during the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Manila, joining global powers including the US to discuss regional strategy.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Leaders Speak · **Published:** 2026-07-22 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/neta-ji/manila-men-asiyana-baithaka-esa-jayashnkara-ne-indo-paisiphika-vijana-para-diya-jora-9641 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** DrSJaishankar

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered his opening remarks at the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with India in Manila, Philippines, marking a critical engagement in India's ongoing strategic outreach to Southeast Asia. The conference is part of the broader diplomatic convergence taking place in the Philippine capital this week.

## 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting

The high-stakes diplomatic gathering, officially the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, was formally opened on Tuesday, July 21, by Philippine Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro. Acting as the chair, the Philippines is hosting top diplomats from member states and key global allies. The proceedings included a Gala Dinner attended by ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, setting the stage for discussions aimed at fostering cooperation and stability across the Indo-Pacific.

## India's Act East Policy

In a post on the social media platform X, Jaishankar shared a video of his opening address. For India, the 10-nation bloc remains the cornerstone of its 'Act East' policy and broader Indo-Pacific vision. Both sides have been actively working towards enhancing their economic ties, including discussions around a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement to boost regional commerce.

## Global Leaders Gather

The strategic importance of the Manila meetings is underscored by the presence of other major global figures. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also arrived in the city to attend the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conferences. During his visit, Rubio is expected to pay a courtesy call to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., further cementing international focus on the region's geopolitical landscape.

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## Questions & Answers

### 1. Where is the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting being held?
The meeting is being held in Manila, Philippines.

### 2. Who hosted the opening of the ASEAN meetings?
The meetings were hosted and officially opened by Philippine Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro.

### 3. What is India's stance on ASEAN?
India considers ASEAN to be the cornerstone of its Act East Policy and its broader Indo-Pacific vision.

### 4. Is the United States participating in the Manila conferences?
Yes, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Manila to attend the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conferences.

## Leader Profile: S. Jaishankar
- **Role:** Minister of External Affairs
- **Born:** 9 January 1955, New Delhi
- **Party:** Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
- **Education:** PhD in International Relations, JNU

India's External Affairs Minister since 2019 and a career diplomat. He was Foreign Secretary (2015–18) and ambassador to China and the United States.

### Political Career & Achievements
- Ambassador to China (2009–2013)
- Ambassador to the United States (2013–2015)
- Foreign Secretary of India (2015–2018)
- Minister of External Affairs (since 2019)
- Helped negotiate the India–US civil nuclear deal

### Quick Facts
- First former Foreign Secretary to become India’s External Affairs Minister.
- Was India’s longest-serving ambassador to China.


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