What Did EAM Jaishankar Discuss with Singapore and Thailand?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- EAM Jaishankar met with counterparts from Singapore and Thailand.
- Discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation.
- Malaysia is hosting the ASEAN Summit under the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability'.
- India aims to strengthen ties in Southeast Asia.
- Strategic partnerships in multiple sectors were highlighted.
Kuala Lumpur, Oct 26 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar engaged with his counterparts from Singapore and Thailand during the ASEAN Summit held here on Sunday.
In the discussions, EAM Jaishankar and Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan explored avenues for enhancing collaboration between their nations.
Detailing the encounter, EAM Jaishankar shared on X: “Good to meet FM Vivian Bala of Singapore. A very useful exchange on the global and regional scenario, as well as opportunities for strengthening India-Singapore cooperation.”
He also met with Thailand's Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow in Kuala Lumpur, expressing eagerness to advance their Strategic Partnership.
His post on X stated: “A first meeting with Thai FM Sihasak Phuangketkeow in Kuala Lumpur today. Look forward to working together to take forward our Strategic Partnership.”
Earlier, Jaishankar conferred with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, relaying Prime Minister Modi's wishes for a fruitful ASEAN Summit.
Jaishankar remarked on X: “Honoured to meet Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia. Conveyed the best wishes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a successful ASEAN Summit. Value his thoughts on strengthening our bilateral cooperation and people-to-people linkages.”
Malaysia is hosting the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability” from October 26–28.
Additionally, EAM Jaishankar met South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun during the ASEAN meetings, focusing on cooperation in sectors such as automotive, electronics, semiconductors, defense, and shipbuilding.
Post-meeting, Jaishankar noted on X: “Delighted to meet FM Cho Hyun of RoK, on the sidelines of ASEAN meetings in Malaysia. Appreciate the deepening of our Special Strategic Partnership. Discussed cooperation in automotive, electronics, semiconductor, defence and shipbuilding.”
Meanwhile, PM Modi attended the ASEAN–India Summit virtually, highlighting the rapid growth of cooperation between India and ASEAN in areas like Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), maritime security, and the blue economy. He proclaimed 2026 as the ‘ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation’.
EAM Jaishankar, presently in Malaysia, will represent PM Modi at the 20th East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Monday. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the summit will provide a platform to discuss challenges to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and to exchange views on regional and international developments.
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