India’s External Affairs Minister emphasizes maritime cooperation during visit to Manila

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited the Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Paheredar during its port call to Manila, emphasizing India’s Act East policy and Indo-Pacific vision. He highlighted the deepening relations between India and the Philippines, noting the importance of maritime cooperation and specialised training courses between the two countries. Jaishankar also mentioned the significance of the pollution control vessel’s visit to the Philippines, showcasing shared challenges in environmental protection and sustainable development.

During his visit, Jaishankar discussed the Indo-Pacific maritime domain awareness initiative and the ASEAN India maritime exercises, emphasizing the strong bilateral bond between India and the Philippines as seafaring nations. He arrived in Manila after an official visit to Singapore and will continue to Malaysia, focusing on enhancing bilateral relations and engaging on regional issues of mutual concern. The visit aims to strengthen ties with these countries and promote cooperation in various maritime activities and issues.

Jaishankar’s visit to Manila underscores India’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific region and its efforts to deepen relationships with key partners like the Philippines. The engagement with the Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Paheredar highlights the importance of maritime cooperation and environmental protection, showcasing India’s role as a responsible maritime player in the region. Through initiatives like the Indo-Pacific maritime domain awareness and ASEAN India maritime exercises, India and the Philippines are working together to address shared challenges and promote sustainable development in the maritime domain.

Source .