Subrahmanyam Jaishankar Leads Diplomatic Push in Manila for Indo-Pacific Ties

Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar led a comprehensive diplomatic mission to Manila, Philippines, from July 22 to 23, 2026. He attended the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference, the East Asia Summit, and the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum, where he advocated for deeper India-ASEAN cooperation to de-risk energy, food, and health security during the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation.

Jaishankar engaged in critical bilateral talks, most notably with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to review the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. The two agreed to accelerate defense agreements and finalize an interim bilateral trade deal, focusing on AI and critical minerals. He also met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, acknowledging a gradual normalization of ties since October 2024 but stating that peace and tranquility in border areas remain a prerequisite for normal relations. Other key meetings included discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov regarding the safety of Indian seafarers after an attack on the MV Golden Leo, and talks with officials from Canada, Australia, Singapore, and the Philippines.

On the multilateral front, Jaishankar participated in a Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting with the United States, Japan, and Australia. The group issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and offering unwavering support for ASEAN centrality. These engagements occurred amid heightened tensions in the South China Sea, following reports of aggressive Chinese actions against Philippine navy personnel at Second Thomas Shoal on July 20.