Jaishankar holds Indo-Pacific, bilateral talks with 5 FMs at ASEAN Manila
Synopsis
In a single day of diplomacy in Manila, EAM Jaishankar held five back-to-back bilateral meetings — covering Indo-Pacific maritime security with New Zealand, Myanmar with Thailand, a thaw signal with Canada, an in-depth Russia review including Ukraine and Indian seafarer safety, and regional assessments with Singapore. The breadth of the engagements underlines India's positioning as a pivotal multilateral actor at the ASEAN table.
Key Takeaways
Jaishankar held five bilateral meetings in Manila on 22 July on the sidelines of ASEAN Foreign Ministers' meetings.
Talks with New Zealand FM Winston Peters focused on Indo-Pacific security and enhancing maritime cooperation .
Meeting with Thailand's FM Sihasak Phuangketkeow covered bilateral ties and developments in Myanmar .
Jaishankar noted that India-Canada cooperation has been 'steadily growing' following talks with FM Anita Anand .
In a wide-ranging session with Russian FM Sergei Lavrov , Jaishankar raised concerns over Indian seafarer safety and discussed the Ukraine conflict and Gulf situation .
Jaishankar is attending ASEAN-India , East Asia Summit , and ASEAN Regional Forum meetings during his two-day Philippines visit .
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a series of high-level bilateral meetings in Manila on 22 July, engaging foreign ministers from New Zealand, Thailand, Canada, Singapore, and Russia on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' meetings. The discussions spanned Indo-Pacific security, maritime cooperation, bilateral trade, the Ukraine conflict, and the safety of Indian seafarers.
Indo-Pacific Security and Maritime Cooperation
Jaishankar met New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters, with both sides exchanging perspectives on the Indo-Pacific security situation and exploring ways to deepen maritime cooperation. 'A useful conversation with FM Winston Peters of New Zealand ASEAN Manila. Shared perspectives on the Indo-Pacific security situation and discussed enhancing our maritime cooperation,' Jaishankar posted on X following the meeting.
This comes amid growing regional focus on freedom of navigation and maritime rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, where India has been actively expanding its strategic partnerships.
Thailand and Myanmar Developments
Earlier in the day, Jaishankar met Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, with talks centred on deepening bilateral engagements. The two ministers also exchanged views on developments in Myanmar, which shares borders with both India and Thailand and has been in political turmoil since the 2021 military coup. 'Had a good meeting with DPM and FM Sihasak Phuangketkeow of Thailand Manila ASEAN. Our discussion centered around deepening bilateral engagements. Also exchanged views on the developments in Myanmar,' Jaishankar said on X.
India-Canada Ties and Russia Bilateral Review
Jaishankar also met Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, noting that India-Canada cooperation has been 'steadily growing.' The conversation reportedly focused on achieving the goals for the relationship set by the two countries' prime ministers — a notable signal given the diplomatic strains between New Delhi and Ottawa in recent years. 'Appreciate the discussion with Canada FM Anita Anand this afternoon. India-Canada cooperation has been steadily growing. Our conversation focused on achieving the goals for the relationship set by our Prime Ministers,' he posted on X.
In a separate and substantive meeting, Jaishankar held an 'in-depth review' of bilateral relations with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. The agenda covered trade and investment, energy, connectivity, science and technology, and mobility. Jaishankar reiterated India's 'strong concern' regarding the safety of Indian seafarers in the region, and the two ministers exchanged views on the Ukraine conflict and the Gulf situation.
Singapore Insights and ASEAN Framework
Jaishankar also held a lunch meeting with Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, expressing appreciation for his assessments on regional and global developments. Singapore is widely regarded as a key interlocutor on Southeast Asian affairs given its strategic location and economic ties.
Jaishankar is on a two-day visit to the Philippines to participate in Foreign Minister-level meetings under the ASEAN framework, including the ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit (EAS), and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) meetings. The Manila engagements signal India's continued push to deepen its Act East Policy through multilateral and bilateral channels simultaneously.
Point of View
Sending a cautious normalisation signal toward Canada, and anchoring the Indo-Pacific security narrative with like-minded partners like New Zealand. The Lavrov meeting is particularly notable: raising Indian seafarer safety in the same breath as Ukraine and the Gulf signals that New Delhi is using every bilateral channel to protect its citizens and interests, not just to exchange pleasantries. The ASEAN multilateral setting gives India cover to hold these conversations without each one becoming a bilateral headline — a deliberate strategic choice that mainstream coverage often underweights.
NationPress
22 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did EAM Jaishankar discuss with New Zealand FM Winston Peters in Manila?
Jaishankar and New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the Indo-Pacific security situation and ways to enhance maritime cooperation during their meeting in Manila on 22 July. The talks reflect India's broader effort to build a network of like-minded Indo-Pacific partners.
Why is EAM Jaishankar visiting Manila?
Jaishankar is on a two-day visit to the Philippines to attend Foreign Minister-level meetings under the ASEAN framework, including the ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit (EAS), and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) meetings. The visit is part of India's Act East Policy engagement with Southeast Asia.
What was discussed between Jaishankar and Russian FM Sergei Lavrov?
The two ministers held an in-depth review of India-Russia bilateral relations covering trade, energy, connectivity, science and technology, and mobility. Jaishankar also reiterated India's strong concern over the safety of Indian seafarers in the region, and the two exchanged views on the Ukraine conflict and the Gulf situation.
What is the significance of Jaishankar's meeting with Canadian FM Anita Anand?
Jaishankar noted that India-Canada cooperation has been steadily growing and said discussions focused on achieving the relationship goals set by both countries' prime ministers. The meeting is seen as a signal of cautious diplomatic re-engagement following a period of tensions between New Delhi and Ottawa.
Which countries did Jaishankar meet at ASEAN Manila on 22 July?
Jaishankar held bilateral meetings with foreign ministers of New Zealand, Thailand, Canada, Singapore, and Russia — all on 22 July in Manila on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' meetings.
